Neurologists
SOC Code: 29-1217
Neurologists carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk) and +5.4% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 8,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 29% AI exposure, Neurologists sits 8 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 27% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Neurologists sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Neurologists has ai exposure of 29%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Neurologists vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Neurologists is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Neurologists (SOC 29-1217) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 8,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +5.4% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Entry typically requires Doctoral or professional degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Neurologists. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Interview patients to obtain information, such as complaints, symptoms, medical histories, and family histories.
- 2. Examine patients to obtain information about functional status of areas, such as vision, physical strength, coordination, reflexes, sensations, language skills, cognitive abilities, and mental status.
- 3. Perform or interpret the outcomes of procedures or diagnostic tests, such as lumbar punctures, electroencephalography, electromyography, and nerve conduction velocity tests.
- 4. Order or interpret results of laboratory analyses of patients' blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
- 5. Diagnose neurological conditions based on interpretation of examination findings, histories, or test results.
- 6. Prescribe or administer medications, such as anti-epileptic drugs, and monitor patients for behavioral and cognitive side effects.
- 7. Identify and treat major neurological system diseases and disorders, such as central nervous system infection, cranio spinal trauma, dementia, and stroke.
- 8. Develop treatment plans based on diagnoses and on evaluation of factors, such as age and general health, or procedural risks and costs.
- 9. Inform patients or families of neurological diagnoses and prognoses, or benefits, risks and costs of various treatment plans.
- 10. Prepare, maintain, or review records that include patients' histories, neurological examination findings, treatment plans, or outcomes.
Key Skills Required
- Active Listening
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Complex Problem Solving
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Science
Knowledge Areas
- Medicine and Dentistry
- English Language
- Psychology
- Biology
- Therapy and Counseling
- Education and Training
- Computers and Electronics
- Chemistry
- Customer and Personal Service
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Neurologists?
Neurologists has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Neurologists?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Neurologists is projected to grow by 5.4% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 8,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Neurologists?
Key skills for Neurologists include Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, and others. Typical entry-level education is Doctoral or professional degree.
How much do Neurologists earn?
Wage data for Neurologists varies by region, experience, and employer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes median wage estimates in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Neurologists?
The typical entry-level education for Neurologists is Doctoral or professional degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Internship/residency. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Neurologists?
Neurologists roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).