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Podiatrist: pay, job outlook and how to become one
- $66,010lowest 10% earn less
- $103,73025th percentile
- $160,300median
- $225,91075th percentile
- $309,670top 10% earn more
The median pay for podiatrists was $160,300 a year in May 2025[1]. Jobs are projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, a little slower than the 3.5% rate for all occupations[2][3].
- Job growth, 2025–35
- +2%[2]
- Openings per year
- 200[6]
- Typical entry education
- Doctoral or professional degree[7]
How much do podiatrists make?
The median pay for podiatrists was $160,300 a year, or $77.07 an hour[1]. Half of workers earned more and half earned less[1]. The average was $175,480 a year, or $84.37 an hour[8]. Across all US occupations, the median was $50,980 a year[5].
The range is wide. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $66,010 a year, and the 25th percentile was $103,730[4]. The 75th percentile was $225,910 and the 90th percentile was $309,670[4]. Hourly, the 10th percentile was $31.74 and the 90th was $148.88[9].
| Percentile | Annual wage | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 10th[4] | $66,010 | |
| 25th[4] | $103,730 | |
| Median[1] | $160,300 | |
| 75th[4] | $225,910 | |
| 90th[4] | $309,670 |
A percentile wage is a boundary, and BLS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary[10]. These figures count wage and salary workers only. They leave out the self-employed, and they do not include bonuses or the cost of benefits[11]. About 9,680 people held such jobs[12].
Pay by state and city
The District of Columbia had the highest median annual wage at $265,740, followed by Minnesota at $261,180 (130 jobs), Oklahoma at $253,380 (60 jobs), New Hampshire at $250,070 (70 jobs) and Washington at $232,970 (140 jobs)[13]. Utah had the lowest published median at $93,270[13].
The states with the most podiatrist jobs were New York (1,520), California (1,000), Florida (870), Texas (500) and Pennsylvania (390)[14]. Pay in those states varies. New York had a median of $108,460, California had $201,300 and Florida had $138,340[13].
Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, Boston-Cambridge-Newton had the highest median at $239,990[15]. Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro came next at $228,380, then Baltimore-Columbia-Towson at $227,140[15]. The New York metro area had the most jobs at 1,350 and a median of $108,160[16]. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim had 350 jobs and a median of $199,990[16].
Show median pay in 40 states and DC
| State | Median per year | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia[13] | $265,740 | n/a |
| Minnesota | $261,180 | 130 |
| Oklahoma | $253,380 | 60 |
| New Hampshire | $250,070 | 70 |
| Washington | $232,970 | 140 |
| Massachusetts | $217,700 | 170 |
| North Carolina | $215,420 | 240 |
| Connecticut | $212,760 | 170 |
| Tennessee | $212,470 | 70 |
| Oregon | $207,430 | 170 |
| West Virginia | $207,000 | 50 |
| Nevada | $204,990 | 70 |
| New Mexico | $202,690 | 60 |
| Maryland | $201,940 | 330 |
| California | $201,300 | 1,000 |
| Kentucky | $201,260 | 80 |
| Maine | $200,850 | 40 |
| Louisiana | $197,480 | 50 |
| Wisconsin | $185,100 | 120 |
| Texas | $175,520 | 500 |
| Delaware | $170,560 | 60 |
| Illinois | $167,400 | n/a |
| South Carolina | $167,110 | 70 |
| Mississippi | $164,410 | 30 |
| Michigan | $162,140 | 350 |
| Alabama | $161,820 | 90 |
| New Jersey | $160,300 | 260 |
| Rhode Island | $159,760 | 50 |
| Pennsylvania | $155,050 | 390 |
| Colorado | $142,620 | 150 |
| Florida | $138,340 | 870 |
| Iowa | $134,830 | 100 |
| Virginia | $133,640 | 260 |
| Arizona | $133,190 | 270 |
| Indiana | $132,930 | 260 |
| Georgia | $132,630 | 190 |
| Missouri | $129,950 | 160 |
| Ohio | $129,380 | 350 |
| Idaho | $124,610 | 30 |
| New York | $108,460 | 1,520 |
| Utah | $93,270 | 120 |
How to become a podiatrist
BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry education, with no work experience needed and an internship or residency as the typical training[7].
- First: Complete undergraduate study. Podiatric medicine programs require at least 3 years of it, though nearly all applicants hold a bachelor's degree in healthcare, biology or a physical science[17]. Applicants usually send Medical College Admission Test scores and letters of recommendation[17].
- Next: Earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree at an accredited podiatry college. The program takes 4 years[18]. Coursework resembles other medical degrees and includes anatomy, physiology, pharmacology and pathology, and students gain supervised experience in clinical rotations[19].
- Then: Complete a podiatric medicine and surgery residency in a hospital. BLS describes a 3-year residency, and elsewhere says residencies last several years[20][21].
- Finally: Get licensed. Every state requires a license, and podiatrists pay a fee and must pass every part of a qualifying exam[22]. Some states add more requirements[22].
Some podiatrists also take extra training in a specific area, such as wound care, diabetic foot care or limb preservation[23]. Others become board certified, which generally takes a mix of work experience and an exam[24].
In an O*NET survey of 21 workers, 53% said a doctoral degree was required, 32% said post-doctoral training and 14% said a first professional degree[25]. The survey is small, so treat these shares as a rough guide.
Useful qualities include communication, compassion, critical thinking and attention to detail[26][27][28][29].
What podiatrists do
Podiatrists diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the foot[30]. Tasks reported to O*NET include:
- Treating bone, muscle and joint problems in the feet and ankles[31].
- Diagnosing foot conditions using medical histories, exams, x-rays and lab results[31].
- Advising patients on treatment and foot care to prevent future problems[31].
- Prescribing medication, corrective devices, physical therapy or surgery[31].
- Operating on conditions such as bunions, ingrown nails and cysts[31].
- Referring patients to physicians when foot or leg symptoms point to a wider problem such as arthritis or diabetes[31].
- Making and fitting prosthetic appliances[31].
- Handling office tasks such as hiring, ordering supplies and keeping records[31].
Where they work
About 59% of podiatrist employment was in offices of other health practitioners[32]. Podiatry offices are counted in that group[33]. Some podiatrists work in group practices with physicians or specialists. They may also work closely with surgeons, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants and dietitians[34]. Only 1.9% of podiatrists were self-employed in 2025[35].
Full-time work is typical, and some podiatrists work more than 40 hours a week[36]. Schedules can include evenings or weekends to fit patient needs, and podiatrists in urgent-care settings may be on call[36]. Self-employed podiatrists and practice owners may have more say over their hours[36].
Job outlook
BLS projects podiatrist employment to rise 2% between 2025 and 2035[2]. That is about 10,000 jobs growing to about 10,200, with self-employed workers included[2]. For all occupations together, the projected rise is 3.5%[3].
About 200 openings are projected each year on average[6]. Openings include jobs that come up when people retire or switch occupations, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 1.8% of podiatrists are projected to leave the labor force and 0.3% to move to a different occupation[37].
BLS names one factor that holds down the podiatrist share of foot and ankle care. As team-based care becomes more common, other practitioners such as nurses and orthopedic surgeons can provide some of those services[38].
Is it a good fit?
The facts describe a well-paid field with a long and structured training path. The median was $160,300 a year, compared with $50,980 for all occupations[1][5]. The path includes a 4-year DPM degree, a residency and a state license[18][21][22]. Growth of 2% is slightly below the 3.5% rate for all occupations, and about 200 openings a year are projected[2][3][6]. Pay also varies widely, from $66,010 at the 10th percentile to $309,670 at the 90th[4]. The work mixes diagnosis, patient advice and surgery, so it may suit people comfortable with medical study and hands-on care[31].
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a podiatrist make an hour?
- The median was $77.07 an hour in May 2025[1]. The 10th percentile was $31.74 and the 90th percentile was $148.88[9].
- What degree do you need to be a podiatrist?
- Podiatrists need a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree, earned at an accredited podiatry college. The program takes 4 years[18].
- How long is a podiatry residency?
- BLS describes a 3-year residency program after the DPM degree[20]. Another BLS passage says residencies last several years[21].
- Is podiatrist a growing job?
- BLS projects 2% growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations[2][3]. About 200 openings a year are projected[6].
- What is the highest paying state for podiatrists?
- The District of Columbia had the highest median at $265,740, and Minnesota was next at $261,180[13].
Facts and sources
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Podiatrists in the US was $160,300 per year and $77.07 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: employment of Podiatrists is projected to grow 2% from 2025 to 2035, from about 10,000 to 10,200 jobs (a change of +200). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Podiatrists: 10th percentile $66,010, 25th percentile $103,730, 75th percentile $225,910, 90th percentile $309,670. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS Employment Projections: about 200 openings for Podiatrists are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Podiatrists: education needed for entry: Doctoral or professional degree; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: Internship/residency. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Podiatrists was $175,480 per year and $84.37 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Podiatrists: 10th percentile $31.74, 25th percentile $49.87, 75th percentile $108.61, 90th percentile $148.88. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 9,680 people were employed as Podiatrists in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage for Podiatrists in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Podiatrists jobs: New York 1,520; California 1,000; Florida 870; Texas 500; Pennsylvania 390. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Podiatrists (areas with at least 100 jobs): Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH $239,990; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $228,380; Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $227,140; San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $204,350; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $199,990; Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA $196,500; Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI $168,940; Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL $165,280. BLS OEWS, May 2025
- BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Podiatrists jobs: New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 1,350 (median $108,160); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 350 (median $199,990); Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV 300 (median $157,500); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 280 (median $98,550); Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD 240 (median $158,070); Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI 220 (median $168,940). BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET 29-1081.00 survey of workers (21 respondents), education level they say is required: Doctoral Degree 53%, Post-Doctoral Training 32%, First Professional Degree 14% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- O*NET description of Podiatrists. O*NET OnLine
- O*NET task list for Podiatrists. O*NET OnLine
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of podiatrists in 2025: Offices of other health practitioners 59%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections: 1.9% of Podiatrists were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
- Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
- BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Podiatrists: 1.8% of workers leave the labor force each year and 0.3% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
- BLS Employment Projections, factor affecting employment of Podiatrists: Occupational substitution - share decreases as growing adoption of team-based care models allows other healthcare practitioners, such as nurses and orthopedic surgeons, to provide foot and ankle care services. BLS Employment Projections
- Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.