Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Podiatrists must earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and complete a 3-year residency program. Every state requires podiatrists to be licensed. PayThe median annual wage for podiatrists was $160,300 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of podiatrists is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 200 openings for podiatrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for podiatrists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of podiatrists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about podiatrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for podiatrists was $160,300 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of podiatrists is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 200 openings for podiatrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for podiatrists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of podiatrists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about podiatrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of podiatrists is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 200 openings for podiatrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for podiatrists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of podiatrists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about podiatrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems.
Work Environment
Podiatrists usually work in offices of podiatry, other medical offices, or hospitals. Most work full time, and some need to be on call for emergencies.
How to Become a Podiatrist
Podiatrists must earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and complete a 3-year residency program. Every state requires podiatrists to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for podiatrists was $160,300 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of podiatrists is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 200 openings for podiatrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for podiatrists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of podiatrists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about podiatrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Podiatrists usually work in offices of podiatry, other medical offices, or hospitals. Most work full time, and some need to be on call for emergencies.
How to Become a Podiatrist
Podiatrists must earn a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and complete a 3-year residency program. Every state requires podiatrists to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for podiatrists was $160,300 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of podiatrists is projected to grow 2 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 200 openings for podiatrists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for podiatrists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of podiatrists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about podiatrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for podiatrists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of podiatrists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about podiatrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about podiatrists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.