There are currently an estimated 372,400 neurologists in the United States. The neurologist job market is expected to grow by 11.4% between 2016 and 2026.

How employable are neurologists?

CareerExplorer rates neurologists with an A- employability rating, meaning this career should provide great employment opportunities for the foreseeable future. Over the next 10 years, it is expected the US will need 43,400 neurologists. That number is based on 42,300 additional neurologists, and the retirement of 1,100 existing neurologists.

Are neurologists in demand?

Very positive employment prospects are predicted in the field of neurology. This is due in large part to the expected higher rate of occurrence of clinical conditions typically associated with age. As the baby boomer generation gets older and encounters increasing incidences of stroke and neuro-degenerative diseases, there will be a greater demand for neurologists. Ongoing research in the field is providing these physicians with more resources, allowing them to better help patients manage Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease); multiple sclerosis; and Parkinson’s disease. As researchers continue to answer questions about what causes these and other diseases of the nervous system and why and how they progress, doctors will be able to offer more accurate treatments. These developments should result in strong job growth. A large number of practising neurologists are themselves baby boomers; therefore, significant opportunities will be created by the need to replace retirees from the profession. Skilled neurologists who complete fellowships in multiple sub-specialities will be most sought-after for promotions to senior positions. Others may pursue advancement to the closely related field of neurosurgery.

What’s the supply of neurologists?

The neurologist industry is concentrated in New York, California, Pennsylvania

Neurologist job market by state

State Name Employed Neurologists
New York 46,080
California 29,890
Pennsylvania 19,820
Texas 18,820
Florida 18,410
Michigan 16,370
New Jersey 14,520
Massachusetts 14,370
Ohio 13,990
Maryland 10,550
North Carolina 10,360
Illinois 10,270
Georgia 9,530
Indiana 9,530
Virginia 8,000
Washington 7,240
Wisconsin 6,670
Tennessee 6,420
Connecticut 6,060
Arizona 5,720
Alabama 5,390
Oregon 4,870
Missouri 4,440
Louisiana 4,340
Kansas 3,190
Kentucky 2,970
South Carolina 2,900
West Virginia 2,820
Oklahoma 2,800
Arkansas 2,750
Colorado 2,720
Iowa 2,620
Nevada 2,240
Rhode Island 2,220
Maine 2,080
Utah 2,010
District of Columbia 1,880
Nebraska 1,860
Mississippi 1,760
New Mexico 1,720
Delaware 1,670
New Hampshire 1,610
Hawaii 1,280
Puerto Rico 1,050
Vermont 1,020
Montana 930
Idaho 740
North Dakota 530
Alaska 500
Wyoming 490
South Dakota 460
Virgin Islands, U.S. 100
Guam 70