Podiatrists

29-1081.00 Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation Needed

Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.

Also known as: Attending Physician, Chiropodist, Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DPM and Surgery), Doctor of Podiatry, Doctor Podiatric Medicine (DPM), Foot and Ankle Surgeon, Foot Doctor, ...

Annual Salary

$152,800

Median annual wage (May 2024)

$91,130 25th – 75th percentile $217,960
10th percentile $57,500
90th percentile $208,000+
U.S. Employment: 9,520

Job Outlook

+1.8%

Projected growth, 2024–2034 (Slower than average)

Annual Job Openings 300 per year (avg. 2024–2034)
Typical education: Doctoral or professional degree
On-the-job training: Internship/residency

What You'd Do

  • Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
  • Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
  • Surgically treat conditions such as corns, calluses, ingrown nails, tumors, shortened tendons, bunions, cysts, or abscesses.
  • Advise patients about treatments and foot care techniques necessary for prevention of future problems.
  • Refer patients to physicians when symptoms indicative of systemic disorders, such as arthritis or diabetes, are observed in feet and legs.
  • Correct deformities by means of plaster casts and strapping.
  • Make and fit prosthetic appliances.
  • Perform administrative duties, such as hiring employees, ordering supplies, or keeping records.
  • Educate the public about the benefits of foot care through techniques such as speaking engagements, advertising, and other forums.
  • Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet and ankles.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension 4.0
Active Listening 4.0
Speaking 4.0
Critical Thinking 4.0
Active Learning 4.0
Writing 3.9
Judgment and Decision Making 3.9
Monitoring 3.9

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Knowledge Areas

Medicine and Dentistry 5.0
Customer and Personal Service 4.6
English Language 4.6
Education and Training 4.1
Computers and Electronics 3.8
Administration and Management 3.8
Biology 3.8
Psychology 3.4

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level

Doctoral
52.9%
Post-Doctoral
32.4%
Professional
14.1%

Technology & Tools

Software and tools commonly used in this role

In-Demand Technologies

Facebook Microsoft Access

Other Tools

Advantage Software Podiatry Advantage DocSite Registry Email software Fox Meadows Software MediNotes e Quick Notes PDQ Podiatry Scanner imaging software Web browser software Word processing software

Work Styles

Personality traits and work styles important for this career

2.7
Attention to Detail
2.5
Cautiousness
2.4
Dependability
2.1
Integrity
2.0
Achievement Orientation
2.0
Intellectual Curiosity
1.9
Empathy

Key Abilities

Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role

Deductive Reasoning 4.3
Written Comprehension 4.1
Written Expression 4.1
Problem Sensitivity 4.1
Inductive Reasoning 4.1
Oral Comprehension 4.0
Oral Expression 4.0
Speech Recognition 4.0

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on this job

Assisting and Caring for Others 4.9
Documenting/Recording Information 4.6
Working with Computers 4.5
Getting Information 4.3
Making Decisions and Solving Problems 4.3
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates 4.2
Processing Information 4.1
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge 4.0

Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)

Work Environment

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work

Freedom to Make Decisions
5.0
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
5.0
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
5.0
Contact With Others
4.8
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
4.8
Frequency of Decision Making
4.7
Exposed to Disease or Infections
4.7
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
4.7
E-Mail
4.6
Telephone Conversations
4.6
Physical Proximity
4.6
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
4.5

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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.