Naturopathic Physicians
Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases using a system of practice that is based on the natural healing capacity of individuals. May use physiological, psychological or mechanical methods. May also use natural medicines, prescription or legend drugs, foods, herbs, or other natural remedies.
Also called: Doctor (Dr), Naturopath, Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic Endocrinologist, Naturopathic Medicine Doctor, Naturopathic Oncologist
Median pay
$115,210
Pay for the broader BLS group “Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other”
Pay range (10th–90th)
$65,210 – $195,190
People employed
28,630
Whole BLS group
Holland code
ISR
Investigative · Social · Realistic
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
- 2.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 5.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 6.Do you want the same hours every week?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Naturopathic Physicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (42 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025, for the broader group “Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other”.
What naturopathic physicians do
- 01Document patients' histories, including identifying data, chief complaints, illnesses, previous medical or family histories, or psychosocial characteristics.
- 02Educate patients about health care management.
- 03Advise patients about therapeutic exercise and nutritional medicine regimens.
- 04Conduct physical examinations and physiological function tests for diagnostic purposes.
- 05Administer, dispense, or prescribe natural medicines, such as food or botanical extracts, herbs, dietary supplements, vitamins, nutraceuticals, and amino acids.
- 06Interview patients to document symptoms and health histories.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Biology
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Cooperation
- Achievement Orientation
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a graduate degree (O*NET Job Zone 5).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: none or short demonstration.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from naturopathic physicians
- Midwives82% · group pay
- Athletic Trainers79% · —
- Genetic Counselors79% · —
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary78% · —
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary77% · —
Majors that lead here
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, General
- Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
- Naturopathic Medicine/Naturopathy
- Homeopathic Medicine/Homeopathy
- Ayurvedic Medicine/Ayurveda
- Holistic/Integrative Health
- Alternative and Complementary Medicine and Medical Systems, Other
- Direct Entry Midwifery
- Alternative and Complementary Medical Support Services, Other
- Aromatherapy
- Herbalism/Herbalist
- Polarity Therapy
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.