10 Best States to Work in Neurology 

Neurology specialists in the U.S. are seeing a major uptick in demand for their skills, experience and expertise. According to the NIH, population growth and aging account for the exponential rise in demand. But the churn-and-burn of the overall healthcare sector has also played a key role. And that’s one of the reasons why so many Neurology physicians have gone into locums. 

On the one hand, Neurology locums know that means more choices when it comes to the job market. But this also means having many choices and we’re here to help you get to exactly where you’d like to be.

We've already touched on some of the hottest locum tenens specialties like Cardiology, Hematology & Oncology, PM&R and Gastroenterology. Today we’ll look at the top states for Neurology jobs and the factors you might want to consider if you’re looking to make career moves.

We do a deep dive into the numbers, but this isn’t all crunchy math. We’ve factored in questions about key topics like income taxes, key healthcare systems, and interstate licensure, alongside intangibles like cost of living and the top amenities you’ll want to check out.

Let’s dive into the top states for the Neurology job growth boom.

A note on data: Salaries are based on full time employment data from ZipRecruiter. Locums work may be higher. 

Best States to Work in Neurology

• Delaware
• New Mexico
• Arizona
• Alabama
• Colorado
• Florida
• Texas
• Illinois
• Arkansas
• Mississippi
• How we chose the best states
• Find your next placement today

Delaware

• Best for: Strong demand and great proximity to major East Coast medical hubs.
• Average salary: $ 329,600
• Average hourly pay range: $150-160/hr
• IMLC Status: Compact State, State of Primary Licensure
• Location quotient: 1.67
• Neurology Locum Tenens Jobs in Delaware

Delaware lives up to its name as the First State– it’s a solid launchpad for locums on the Eastern Seaboard. The state boasts its own top neurology centers like ChristianaCare, Nemours Children's Hospital, and the Neurology Center of South Delaware. But its central location also places it within driving distance of key neurology hubs in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Virginia.

While pay and cost of living can vary widely depending on location, the centrality of Delaware just can’t be beat when it comes to patient demand and options for your days off.

New Mexico

• Best for: Strong pay, mid-range cost-of-living, taxes and solid neurology centers.
• Average salary: ~$310,400
• Average hourly pay range: $145-155/hr
• IMLC Status: Not in Compact
• Location quotient: 1.58
• Neurology Locum Tenens Jobs in New Mexico

When it comes to beautiful sunrises and new horizons, New Mexico can’t be beat. Unlike the previous options, cost-of-living is a little bit higher but still affordable when you take the strong numbers on specialist pay into account. It does have a state tax with graduated rates ranging between 1.5-5.9% but also has strong infrastructure. You'll also find opportunities to work at top neurology hubs like the Clinical Neurosciences Center at the University of New Mexico Hospital with specialized clinics and centers focusing on movement disorders, stroke and angiomas, and Presbyterian Hospital.

In terms of things to do, you’ll find some amazing cultural experiences and outdoor activities here. From Carlsbad Caverns to White Sands, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum to Canyon Road, there’s quite literally something here for everyone.

Arizona

• Best for: Competitive pay and extensive academic and clinical health hubs. 
• Average salary: ~$310,400
• Average hourly pay range: $145-155/hr
• IMLC Status: Compact State, State of Primary Licensure
• Location quotient: 1.56
• Neurology Locum Tenens Jobs in Arizona

Arizona is another winning state with a balanced blend of high pay and excellent opportunities. The many amenities are certainly a perk, but the flat-rate state income tax (2.5%) is actually a bigger draw for many physicians. 

For academic and medical opportunities, Phoenix is home to Barrow, Banner and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The consistent patient demand and range of opportunities keep physicians busy. But so do the attractions. The Grand Canyon, Red Rocks, fine dining and shopping in Scottsdale’s Fashion Square Mall, and the desert landscape are sure to draw you in. 

Alabama

• Best for: Balanced for locum flexibility and demand, decent pay and lower cost-of-living.
• Average pay: ~$300,800
• Average hourly pay range: $140-150/hr
• IMLC Status: Compact State, State of Primary Licensure
• Location quotient: 1.48
• Neurology Locum Tenens Jobs in Alabama

With its low cost of living, high demand and consistent pay, Alabama might just be the spot for you. Especially for locums who specialize in rural care, there are many opportunities to develop here. 

Top healthcare systems in the area include University of Alabama Birmingham Medicine, USA Health, Huntsville Hospital and Alabama Neurology Associates. The graduated tax environment means you may pay a little more in taxes, but you should also see some savings from housing affordability that may offset. 

In terms of things to do, don’t sleep on Alabama. Amazing outdoor experiences await you, perfect for adventurers who love hikes on forest trails or a chill day at the beach. Museums, Zoos and gorgeous vistas are all within reach here.   

Colorado

• Best for: Strong academic centers and solid pay, higher taxes.
• Average salary: ~$300,800
• Average hourly pay range: $140-150/hr
• IMLC Status: Compact State, State of Primary Licensure
• Location quotient: 1.43
• Neurology Locum Tenens Jobs in Colorado

Colorado is here to feed your inner academic needs and your inner explorer. UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital is still the top hospital in Colorado for neurology. Other leading centers include CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital and Neurology of the Rockies in Denver. Whether you’re looking for a practice that’s close to the suburbs, the golf course or the mountains— you’ll find it here.

But let’s talk about taxes. The state has a 4.4% flat income tax rate which ranks it lower down our list. But for the discerning physician, the strength of the state’s neurology infrastructure and academic opportunities may outweigh these factors. And it might just be the reason you choose a role in the Centennial State.

Florida

• Best for: Net take home pay is higher due to zero state income tax, many large hospital systems.
• Average salary: ~$272,000
• Average hourly pay range: $125-135/hr
• IMLC Status: Compact State, State of Primary Licensure
• Location quotient: 1.52
• Neurology Locum Tenens Jobs in Florida

Florida combines 2 key factors that many physicians are looking for: continuous demand and earning potential. With its many large hospital systems, including Mayo Clinic, AdventHealth and First Choice Neurology, you’ll have your pick of the top systems to work in. Net take home pay is also top notch because Florida has no state income tax. Add to this an almost endless list of amenities like great shopping, Disney World and Universal Studios, and fantastic beaches, and we can see the appeal!

That being said, locums who move to Florida should keep in mind that insurance costs and housing costs continue to rise rapidly, impacting the overall affordability of the environment.

Texas

• Best for: Large health hubs and continuous demand, no income tax– things-to-do and quality of life vary by region.
• Average salary: ~$278,400
• Average hourly pay range: $130-140/hr
• IMLC Status: Compact State, State of Primary Licensure
• Location quotient: 1.55
• Neurology Locum Tenens Jobs in Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas– from the hospital systems to the brisket. With zero income tax, this state offers a multitude of opportunities for neurology specialists seeking to save while pursuing a fulfilling career. Cost of living truly does vary based on region here- with larger metro areas like Dallas and Houston having lower affordability (including both rent/mortgage and property taxes) than some of the coastal or rural regions. The positive malpractice environment is also a draw for some physicians.

That being said, net take home pay in Texas tends to be lower than that of previously mentioned states. But the lower tax burden is very attractive for physicians with multiple income streams.

Illinois

• Best for: Incredible medical hubs and amenities, but pricey.
• Average salary: $278,400
• Average hourly pay range: $130-140/hr
• IMLC Status: Compact State, State of Primary Licensure
• Location quotient: 1.31
• Neurology Locum Tenens Jobs in Illinois

As one of the nation’s premier healthcare hubs, the Land of Lincoln provides access to world-class medical institutions and a vibrant urban and suburban lifestyle with exceptional dining, culture, and amenities. Chicago is home to leading centers such as Northwestern Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, and the University of Chicago, while downstate opportunities include respected academic and clinical environments like UI Health and Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

But locum physicians should carefully weigh Illinois’ higher cost of living and its malpractice landscape, which includes no caps on damages, when making decisions about their next move.

Arkansas

• Best for: Highest pay, solid cost-of-living, moderate tax climate.
• Average salary: ~$341,600
• Average hourly pay range: $155-165/hr
• IMLC Status: Compact Legislation Passed But Delayed
• Location quotient: 1.78 
• Neurology Locum Tenens Jobs in Arkansas

Arkansas is the sleeper choice coming in first place for its strong pay, balanced tax, legal and living environments. Locums here know their pay goes farther because the cost of living is affordable, but healthcare facilities are also recruiting physicians with highly competitive pay. When you factor in the graduated income tax rate, this state is a great option.

The state also has several notable neurology centers, including the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), Baptist Health, CHI St. Vincent, and Northwest Health. With a strong background in caring for patients with stroke, epilepsy and dementia, these healthcare facilities are top-notch choices for Neurology locums on the move. And in terms of things to do: Arkansas has some of the most beautiful waterfalls, hiking trails, state and National Parks. 

Mississippi

• Best for: Solid pay and cost-of-living, great opportunities for rural locum physicians.
• Average salary: ~$341,600
• Average hourly pay range: $155-165/hr
• IMLC Status: Compact State, State of Primary Licensure
• Location quotient: 1.74
• Neurology Locum Tenens Jobs in Mississippi

The Magnolia State is one to keep an eye on. Much like the previous option, it offers the right balance of solid pay, affordability and incredible opportunities for those deeply invested in rural health. In terms of taxes, Mississippi has implemented legislation to gradually drop its state income tax rate to 0% over the next five years. This may be a major draw for physicians looking to save.

This state boasts a wealth of Neurology centers ranging from large facilities to small private practices– meaning lots of opportunities and continuous demand. The top centers in the state include University of Mississippi Medical Center, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, and St. Dominic - Jackson Memorial Hospital. In terms of care from the edges to the outside of metro areas, Merit Health, (Jackson and Flowood), and Methodist Rehabilitation Center in Jackson are great options. With its extensive amenities, offering everything from museums to fine dining, to dolphin tours and steamboat rides (not kidding– you should check these out!) you’ll find lots to explore.

How We Chose the Best States for Locum Tenens

Curating a list of the top states for locum tenens physicians requires balancing quantitative data with qualitative factors that impact career satisfaction and quality of life. Our method focused on four key pillars:

1. Compensation & Job Market: We analyzed average salaries, hourly wages, and employment data to identify states where locum tenens are competitively compensated. Location quotients helped determine market saturation—whether a state has higher demand (quotient >1) or fewer opportunities (quotient <1) relative to national averages.
2. Hospital Systems & Academic Opportunities: States with nationally ranked medical schools scored higher, as these institutions offer career growth, research opportunities, and cutting-edge practice environments.
3. Quality of Life & Cost of Living: We considered taxes, housing affordability, and lifestyle perks (e.g., outdoor recreation, urban amenities). States with no income tax (Florida) or high salary-to-cost-of-living ratios (Wisconsin, Ohio) gained an edge.
4. Legislation & Practice Environment: Physician-friendly tort reforms, and state healthcare policies were factored in. 

Salary and employment numbers were critical to our understanding of the state of the job market, but we also incorporated insights from physician recruiters and regional trends (e.g., aging populations in rural areas and competitive metropolitan environments) to ensure our recommendations reflect real-world desirability. The result is a carefully assembled list designed to both reflect current patterns and support you as you make decisions about your locum tenens journey.

Find Your Next Locum Tenens Role

Ready to take your Neurology career to the next level? You’re looking for better pay, real flexibility, and a place that truly fits your life—we’re here to help locums physicians like you make that move.

We work with opportunities all across the country, from close-knit community practices to major medical centers, and we use our network and experience to match you with roles that fit what you’re looking for.

The right opportunity is out there. Let’s find it together.