What Does it Take to Be a Podiatrist?
Job Description & Duties Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
Life As a Podiatrist: What Do They 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.
- 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.
- Make and fit prosthetic appliances.
- Treat deformities using mechanical methods, such as whirlpool or paraffin baths, and electrical methods, such as short wave and low voltage currents.
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Qualities of a Podiatrist
Podiatrists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Podiatric Medicine Doctor (DPM)
- Doctor of Podiatry
- Foot Doctor
- Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
- Podiatric Surgeon
Podiatrist Employment Estimates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 11,000 jobs in the United States for Podiatrist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,200 new jobs for Podiatrist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 700 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Podiatrist are Utah, Maryland, and Nebraska. Watch out if you plan on working in Mississippi, Kansas, or Rhode Island. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Podiatrists Salary
The salary for Podiatrists ranges between about $52,060 and $208,000 a year.
Podiatrists who work in Nebraska, Rhode Island, or Wisconsin, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Podiatrists in different U.S. states.
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $148,010 |
| Arizona | $143,620 |
| Arkansas | $183,190 |
| California | $120,750 |
| Colorado | $119,190 |
| Connecticut | $95,610 |
| Delaware | $171,800 |
| District of Columbia | $152,520 |
| Florida | $136,170 |
| Georgia | $125,390 |
| Illinois | $180,270 |
| Indiana | $182,030 |
| Iowa | $173,370 |
| Kansas | $122,390 |
| Kentucky | $111,780 |
| Louisiana | $157,690 |
| Maryland | $159,950 |
| Massachusetts | $173,250 |
| Michigan | $131,780 |
| Minnesota | $184,280 |
| Missouri | $135,760 |
| Montana | $119,040 |
| Nebraska | $219,670 |
| Nevada | $109,560 |
| New Jersey | $132,320 |
| New Mexico | $124,660 |
| New York | $156,960 |
| North Carolina | $186,510 |
| Ohio | $155,870 |
| Oklahoma | $132,420 |
| Oregon | $93,930 |
| Pennsylvania | $136,780 |
| Rhode Island | $226,030 |
| South Carolina | $195,380 |
| Tennessee | $139,880 |
| Texas | $139,070 |
| Utah | $147,770 |
| Virginia | $144,330 |
| Washington | $136,330 |
| West Virginia | $175,530 |
| Wisconsin | $201,060 |
What Tools do Podiatrists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Podiatrists may use on a daily basis:
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Email software
- Word processing software
How do I Become a Podiatrist?
What education or degrees do I need to become a Podiatrist?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Podiatrist?
Where Podiatrists Are Employed
The table below shows the approximate number of Podiatrists employed by various industries.
Related Careers
Those interested in being a Podiatrist may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Internet Archive Book Images; Joseph, Alfred via No known copyright
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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