What Do Podiatrist Do?
Job Description: Diagnose and treat diseases and deformities of the human foot.
What Do Podiatrists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Treat bone, muscle, and joint disorders affecting the feet and ankles.
- Treat deformities using mechanical methods, such as whirlpool or paraffin baths, and electrical methods, such as short wave and low voltage currents.
- Prescribe medications, corrective devices, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Perform administrative duties, such as hiring employees, ordering supplies, or keeping records.
- Make and fit prosthetic appliances.
- Diagnose diseases and deformities of the foot using medical histories, physical examinations, x-rays, and laboratory test results.
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Qualities of a Podiatrist
When polled, Podiatrists say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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:
- Doctor of Podiatry
- Foot Orthopedist
- Doctor Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
- Doctor
- Podiatric Medicine Doctor (DPM)
Job Opportunities for Podiatrists
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 average yearly salary of a Podiatrist ranges between $52,060 and $208,000.

Podiatrists who work in Nebraska, Rhode Island, or Wisconsin, make the highest salaries.
How much do Podiatrists make 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 & Technology 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?
Education needed to be a Podiatrist:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Where Podiatrists Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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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