Explore neurologist salary ranges, hourly rates, and how subspecialty and locum work shape earning potential.
Neurologists earn between $252,000 and $407,000 annually across major benchmarks, with meaningful variation based on subspecialty, practice setting, and whether the physician works locum tenens assignments.
| Source | What it Measures | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2024 (SOC 29-1217) | Mean annual wage | $252,000 |
| Medscape Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Average total compensation | $320,000 |
| Doximity Physician Compensation Report (2025) | Median total compensation | $357,000 |
| SalaryDr (April 2026) | Median verified compensation | $380,000 |
| Marit Health (2025) | Median compensation | $407,000 |
Neurology is one of the fastest-growing shortage specialties in medicine. The AAN projects a 19% shortfall in the neurologist workforce by 2025 — a structural driver of sustained locum demand.
| Compensation Type | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| W-2 employed (BLS mean) | ~$121 /hr |
| Locum tenens — lower band | $200 /hr |
| Locum tenens — upper band | $300 /hr |
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 29-1217; Barton Associates market data 2025–2026.
Neurology locum premiums are highest for inpatient stroke coverage and subspecialty consultations — the settings where the shortage is most acute.
Neurology pay is driven by supply-demand imbalance, not cost of living. Rural and underserved markets consistently outpay urban academic centers for both permanent and locum coverage.
The AAN projects a 19% shortfall in the neurologist workforce by 2025. This structural gap is the primary driver of locum demand across inpatient and outpatient settings.
A standard full-time neurologist sees 15 to 20 patients per day in outpatient settings, with inpatient consult coverage adding additional volume. Stroke coverage and epilepsy monitoring are the highest-demand inpatient subspecialty roles, commanding premiums of 20–40% above general neurology rates.
Locum rates range from $200 to $300 per hour. The four scenarios below use representative rates from within that band.
To exceed $500,000: focus on inpatient stroke coverage, epilepsy monitoring, and hard-to-staff rural markets at the top of the rate band.
Neurology locum income scales with acuity and setting. Inpatient stroke and subspecialty coverage consistently command the highest rates.
A $240/hr locum rate versus a $121/hr W-2 equivalent is a meaningful structural advantage. 1099 neurologists unlock business deductions across licensing, CME, travel, and equipment; higher retirement contributions through a SEP-IRA or Solo 401(k); the Qualified Business Income deduction of up to 20%; and S-corp structuring at higher income levels. Barton partners with Earned to help locum physicians navigate these decisions.
Barton coordinates your job search from start to finish!
We’ll schedule a phone consultation to discuss your interests, goals, and work history to find the right opportunities.
Your Barton rep will submit your information to the facility you want to take an assignment at and work on next steps.
Barton handles licensing, credentialing, and travel arrangements before you arrive so you’re ready on day one.
Most earn between $252,000 (BLS mean) and $407,000 (Marit Health median). Physician-reported benchmarks from Doximity ($357,000) and Medscape ($320,000) reflect total compensation including bonuses and incentive pay.
W-2 employed neurologists average approximately $121 per hour based on BLS data. Locum tenens rates range from $200 to $300 per hour, with the top of the band reserved for inpatient stroke and subspecialty coverage.
Yes. Full-time locum roles can reach approximately $445,200 annually at $265/hr working 14 shifts per month. Hybrid models combining employed income with regular locum shifts can push total compensation above $472,000.
Rural and underserved markets consistently pay the highest locum premiums. States with lower neurologist density — Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota — lead BLS state data.
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