Aptly
Careers · Healthcare practitioners and technical

Podiatrists

Podiatrists diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and structural problems of the foot and ankle. They work in private practices, hospitals, clinics, and sports medicine facilities. The work involves examining patients, ordering diagnostic tests, prescribing medications, performing surgery, and fitting orthotics or other corrective devices.

$160,300median pay, U.S., per year
$103,730–$225,910middle half earn
9,680employed in the U.S.
Docttypical education · 99% hold a bachelor’s or higher
ModerateAI exposure · AI tools can speed up some tasks; the core of the job stays human.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves seeing patients with conditions ranging from bunions and heel pain to diabetic foot complications and sports injuries. Podiatrists conduct physical examinations, review imaging results, and develop treatment plans. Some time goes to performing procedures such as nail care, removal of corns or calluses, or minor surgical interventions. Administrative work includes documenting patient records and communicating with other healthcare providers.

Who this work suits

Investigative
80Realistic
72Social
66Conventional
38Enterprising
19Artistic
12

Holland code IRS. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You likely enjoy investigative work—diagnosing problems and solving them systematically. You're drawn to realistic, hands-on healthcare work where you can see direct results. You're willing to pursue advanced education and build expertise over time to develop clinical competence.

What it takes

Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.

Skills that matter most

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive LearningWritingMonitoringSocial Perceptiveness

Knowledge areas

Medicine and DentistryCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and Management

Openings right now

Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.

Pay by state

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

Related occupations

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Four short assessments and your background, scored against podiatrists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 29-1081.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.