How much does a foot doctor make?
Answer: A typical foot doctor in the United States makes $160,300 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 10,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Foot doctor pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $66,010 | $160,300 | $309,670 | about 10,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $201,300 | about 1,000 |
| Florida | $138,340 | about 870 |
Why does pay differ?
In the US, podiatrists’ pay can rise with experience and advanced credentials, and it differs by employer and location. Hours, emergency call, and more complex or specialized work, such as surgery, can also make a difference.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a foot doctor do?
Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
What's a typical day like?
Patients describe their foot pain as the podiatrist checks their medical history, examines their feet, and reviews X-rays or test results. The doctor may prescribe shoe inserts or medicine, teach foot care, or perform surgery.
How to get this job
In the US, students usually earn a bachelor’s degree, take the MCAT, then complete a four-year Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) program and a three-year hospital residency. They must pass a qualifying exam and get a state license.
Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)
Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing.
Did you know?
A foot exam can uncover clues to bigger illnesses: podiatrists may spot diabetes or blood-vessel problems and send patients to another doctor.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/podiatrists.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.apma.org/patients-and-the-public/faq-about-todays-podiatrists/
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY