Podiatrists
Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
Also called: Attending Physician, Chiropodist, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DPM and Surgery), Doctor of Podiatry, Doctor Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
Median pay
$160,300
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$66,010 – $309,670
People employed
9,680
Holland code
IRS
Investigative · Realistic · Social
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 want the same hours every week?
- 3.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 4.Are you happy talking and working with people most of the day?
- 5.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 6.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
The hard parts
- Exposure to disease or infection
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Podiatrists pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (40 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What podiatrists do
- 01Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet and ankles.
- 02Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
- 03Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
- 04Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
- 05Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
- 06Refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
Skills that matter most
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Writing
Knowledge
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- 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: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- 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 podiatrists
- Medical Dosimetrists67% · −8%
- Clinical Research Coordinators64% · group pay
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary60% · −33%
- Natural Sciences Managers58% · +4%
- Health Informatics Specialists56% · group pay
Majors that lead here
- Podiatric Medicine/Podiatry
- Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency Program
- Podiatric Medicine Residency/Fellowship Programs, Other
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.