01/23/2026
Neurologist Salary Guide for 2026
Subscribe to our newsletter
By subscribing you agree to with our Privacy Policy.
This article provides a clear understanding of neurology salary averages across the U.S., leveraging the latest data to explore geographic variations and the key factors that shape your earning potential.
We'll also examine the dynamics of locum tenens work in neurology and see how neurologist salaries compare within the broader physician ecosystem. Our aim is to equip you with the insights needed to navigate your career strategically and ensure your compensation is aligned with your expertise and dedication.
Neurology Salary Overview
- How Much Does a Neurologist Make?
- Do Locums Neurologists Earn More?
- What Factors Impact Neurologist Salary for Full Timers?
- Neurologist Salary by State
- Top Cities for Neurologists by Salary
- Neurologist Salary by Place of Work
- How Are Locums Neurologist Rates Determined?
- How Do Neurologist Salaries Compare to Other Specialties?
- Earn What You’re Worth
How Much Does a Neurologist Make?
According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Obstetricians and Gynecologists earn an average hourly wage of $137.65. Annually, this translates to a mean salary of $286,310.
It's important to understand that this figure represents a national average. Some state level salaries are upwards of $400,000 per year, as we discuss in more detail below. Actual salaries can vary significantly based on several key factors, including:
- Geographic Location
- Years of Experience
- Practice Setting
- Subspecialization
Do Locums Neurologists Earn More?
Yes, while the average hourly salary of a neurologist is around $137, locums neurologists often make upwards of $200 an hour for their services.
Moreover, many physicians work locums on a part-time basis. According to the 2025 State of Locum Tenens report by CHG, 47% of locums physicians report using locums to supplement their primary income.
What Factors Impact Neurologist Salary for Full Timers?
While the national average provides a benchmark, a neurologist's actual salary is shaped by several key factors beyond clinical skill. The data reveals that geographic location is one of the most powerful determinants. Furthermore, the practice setting or type of employer plays a significant role, with different environments offering distinct compensation structures tied to patient volume, procedural focus, and business models.
Neurologist Salary by State
The state-level data from the BLS collected in 2023 shows that the highest average salaries appear in regions that may combine high demand with specific local factors. For instance, Indiana and New Mexico top the list for highest hourly and annual wage, while California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania all appear near the bottom of the list.
Check out this guide for our recommendations for the best states to work in as a neurologist.
- Indiana: $427,150
- New Mexico: $424,710
- Colorado: $393,810
- Oregon: $388,810
- Ohio: $369,610
- Utah: $342,050
- Missouri: $331,760
- Iowa: $322,970
- South Carolina: $320,780
- Michigan: $319,240
Top Cities for Neurologists by Salary
Examining metropolitan areas makes it even clearer how much location impacts salary. According to data from the BLS, top-paying cities like Denver, CO and Cincinnati, OH offer averages well above $400,000, driven by factors like dominant local healthcare systems, high patient volumes, and a relative shortage of providers.
Note that average state salary does not necessarily dictate what happens at the city level. While New York and Minnesota does not appear in our list of top average salaries by state, Buffalo and Minneapolis-St. Paul both make the list of top cities.
- Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO: $456,670
- Cincinnati, OH: $404,640
- Memphis, TN: $391,330
- Salt Lake City, UT: $338,350
- Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC: $331,670
- Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD: $329,820
- Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX: $323,760
- Omaha, NE: $315,950
- Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY: $311,850
- Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN: $309,720
Neurologist Salary by Place of Work
Physicians' offices (typically private group practices) show the highest average salary, reflecting profit-sharing potential and ownership models. As further BLS data shows, outpatient Care Centers are competitive, likely driven by high-volume surgical and procedural work.
While General Medical and Surgical Hospitals report a lower average, these positions often come with greater benefits, structured hours, and less administrative burden, representing a different balance of total compensation versus base salary.
- Offices of Physicians: $278,940
- General Medical and Surgical Hospitals: $268,700
- Outpatient Care Centers: $392,800
How Are Locums Neurologist Rates Determined?
Locums Neurologist rates are usually determined by assignment urgency and location, the scope of work (e.g., high-volume call, surgical load, or high-risk patient panels), and the costs and fees associated with the agency doing the placement (e.g. credentialing, travel compensation, malpractice insurance, etc.).
A neurologist’s own experience and subspecialty credentials also command higher rates. To negotiate effectively, physicians should research current market rates for the target region, highlight their unique skills and efficiency, and consider the full package. A trusted relationship with a recruiter is also a fantastic asset. The right recruiter can help you plan for the lifestyle you want to lead as a locums physician.
How Do Neurologist Salaries Compare to Other Specialties?
Neurologists are highly compensated specialists, but their earnings sit within a tiered hierarchy of physician pay. As the data shows, with an annual mean wage of $286,310 ($137.65 hourly), Neurologists earn significantly more than primary care physicians (like Family Medicine at $256,830) but less than many procedural and hospital-based specialists. They are out-earned by fields like Cardiology ($432,490), Dermatology ($347,810), and Anesthesiology ($336,640), which often involve higher procedural volume or different reimbursement models. This places Neurologists in a mid tier.
- Cardiologists: $432,490
- Dermatologists: $347,810
- Anesthesiologists: $336,640
- Emergency Medicine Physicians: $320,700
- Neurologists: $286,310
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists: $281,130
- General Internal Medicine Physicians: $262,710
- Family Medicine Physicians: $256,830
Earn What You’re Worth
You have the skills, experience, and dedication that define a top-tier Neurologist. Now it's time to ensure your compensation fully reflects your value. Navigating the locums market alone can mean leaving money on the table or missing ideal opportunities.
Let Era Locums be your expert partner. We specialize in connecting Neurologists with premium, competitively priced locums positions that match your expertise, lifestyle preferences, and financial goals.
Secure a role that truly rewards your worth. Reach out to the Era Locums team or start browsing open jobs today to launch your search.