Choosing the right state to practice neurology can influence career satisfaction, earning potential, and work–life balance. Whether you’re an early-career neurologist building a patient base or an experienced provider looking to relocate, location matters.

The list below features the top 10 states that offer the most favorable conditions for neurologists—blending salary potential, growth opportunities (clinical, stewardship, and public health roles), and supportive health care and public health infrastructure.

1. Wisconsin – Ranks among the highest-paying states for neurologists, with a median salary of about $386,390. Wisconsin is also viewed as a favorable state for physicians, ranking 11th for quality of life, 30th for burnout rates, and within the top ten for healthcare quality.

2. Montana – Offers a median neurologist salary of about $382,060. The state has a monthly cost of living of approximately $2,074.

3. Virginia – Provides a median neurologist salary of about $368,650, average living costs near $2,415/month, and approximately 268 active physicians per 100,000 residents.

4. Colorado – Features a median neurologist salary of about $366,760, average monthly living costs of roughly $2,586, and a physician density of about 294 per 100,000 residents. Colorado is known for its distinctive landscapes—mesas, plateaus, mountains, and canyons—and is considered a strong state for physicians, ranking 10th for quality of life.

5. Maryland – Offers a median neurologist salary of about $339,280, average monthly costs near $2,459, and one of the highest physician densities in the country at approximately 394 per 100,000 residents.

6. Indiana – Provides a median neurologist salary of about $333,300 and average living costs around $2,037/month. The state has about 236 active physicians per 100,000 residents.

7. Georgia – Offers a median neurologist salary of about $332,760, average living costs near $2,262/month, and about 236 active physicians per 100,000 residents.

8. Tennessee – Features a median neurologist salary of about $302,600. Monthly living costs are about $2,198, and the state has roughly 259 physicians per 100,000 residents.

9. Iowa –Provides a median neurologist salary of about $295,800, monthly living costs of roughly $1,729, and a physician density of about 224 per 100,000 residents. Iowa also ranks among the top ten states for healthcare quality, reports 13.6 malpractice claims per 100,000 residents, holds a quality-of-life ranking of 14th, and has one of the lowest overall costs of living in the country.

10. South Carolina – Offers a median neurologist salary of about $293,990, average living costs around $2,313/month, and approximately 237 active physicians per 100,000 residents.

Sources: Beckers ASC Review, Living Cost, Physicians Thrive, Salary States