← 2026 Salary Report / Neurology

Neurologist Salary 2026

Growing demand driven by aging population. Interventional neurology and headache medicine offer income premiums.

$301,000
Medscape 2026
$320,000
Doximity 2025
$315,000
MGMA Median

Training: 4 years post-medical school  |  5-Year Change: +9%  |  Range (25th-75th): $250,000-$400,000

Compensation by Experience Level

General neurologists start at $260,000-$300,000. Neurointerventionalists start at $400,000-$500,000, rivaling neurosurgery for stroke work. Headache medicine and MS specialists earn $320,000-$380,000. Epileptologists with EMU directorship earn similar premiums. Demand is outpacing supply for most neurology subspecialties.

Top-Paying States

Southeast and Midwest states have the worst neurologist-per-capita ratios, driving premium compensation. Telestroke programs have opened high-paying remote positions. Academic neurology significantly underpays community practice.

Employed vs Private Practice

Employed neurologists earn $280,000-$340,000. Private practice neurologists earn $320,000-$420,000, with the gap smaller than in procedural specialties. Neurointerventionalists in private practice can earn $500,000-$700,000+ with high stroke volumes. Infusion centers for MS drugs can add ancillary revenue.

How to Maximize Your Compensation

Three highest-leverage actions: (1) Neurointerventional fellowship offers the biggest income jump within neurology. (2) Build an infusion center for high-cost biologics (MS, migraine) for ancillary revenue. (3) Telestroke coverage can supplement income by $30,000-$80,000 with minimal time commitment. Use the PhysicianWealth Salary Benchmark for a personalized comparison.

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© 2026 PhysicianWealth | Full 2026 Salary Report (10,000+ words)