38 Careers That Require a Doctoral Degree

Updated October 23, 2023

Earning a doctoral degree is an accomplishment that can help launch a successful career. Professionals who earn a degree at this level have proven their skills in research, communication and perseverance and domain-specific skills that are often highly particular to each degree holder's specialty. Employers often find these qualities highly desirable in the workplace, and many jobs even require candidates to have earned a doctorate to qualify. In this article, we provide 38 careers that require a doctoral degree.

38 careers that require a doctoral degree

If you have an advanced degree, or are considering earning one, here are 34 jobs that require a doctoral degree:

1. Professor

National average salary: $91,711 per year

Primary duties: Professors plan and deliver instruction at the post-secondary level, including undergraduate and graduate students. These educators might teach in person, online or a combination of the two.

2. Anthropologist

National average salary: $61,075 per year

Primary duties: Anthropologists study the history of human life and culture across the globe. They often specialize in a particular time period or geographic location, and they frequently work for colleges and universities.

3. Administrator

National average salary: $65,929 per year

Primary duties: Certain kinds of administrators, such as those working at colleges and universities, have usually earned a doctoral degree. They oversee programs, manage schedules and make important decisions for their institutions.

4. Chiropractor

National average salary: $68,122 per year

Primary duties: Chiropractors evaluate patients with neuromuscular pain as well as other health issues and provide treatment for the problems they identify. They also often provide patient education including at-home exercises and wellness measures.

5. Psychometrician

National average salary: $69,271 per year

Primary duties: Psychometricians are responsible for evaluating individuals' mental abilities, skills and attitudes. They often work for institutions such as governments and research facilities.

6. Audiologist

National average salary: $77,471 per year

Primary duties: Audiologists diagnose and treat hearing disorders and other associated issues, such as hearing-loss-related mental health problems. They often use medical equipment such as hearing aids as a treatment tool.

7. Linguist

National average salary: $82,575 per year

Primary duties: Linguists study languages and translate written and spoken communication. They often work for academic institutions, such as universities, and for government agencies.

8. Epidemiologist

National average salary: $82,824 per year

Primary duties: Epidemiologists study the origin and path of a disease outbreak. These scientists often work for colleges and universities, governments and medical organizations.

9. Historian

National average salary: $83,910 per year

Primary duties: Historians study events from the past. They often work at institutions such as colleges and universities, libraries and museums.

10. Lawyer

National average salary: $95,430 per year

Primary duties: Lawyers or attorneys advise their clients in legal matters. They can work for a partnership or for themselves, and they often specialize in a particular area of law.

Related: Learn About Being a Lawyer

11. Statistician

National average salary: $99,157 per year

Primary duties: Statisticians analyze data to identify trends, and they use the information to help businesses, organizations and individuals make meaningful, data-based decisions.

12. Systems engineer

National average salary: $99,447 per year

Primary duties: Systems engineers design and oversee processes such as software development, transportation systems and manufacturing. Though not all systems engineers have a doctoral degree, a doctorate is one way to become highly qualified in the field.

13. Veterinarian

National average salary: $101,072 per year

Primary duties: Veterinarians care for the health and wellness of animals. They often adopt a particular focus, such as on small, large or exotic animal care.

14. Research scientist

National average salary: $111,351 per year

Primary duties: Research scientists perform experiments in scientific fields such as medicine and computer science. They can often work for institutions like colleges and universities, governments and private businesses.

15. Podiatrist

National average salary: $113,207 per year

Primary duties: Podiatrists diagnose and treat conditions of the feet and ankles. They can provide surgical or nonsurgical care, and they often specialize in a particular kind of treatment or illness.

Related: Learn About Being a Podiatrist

16. Psychiatrist

National average salary: $113,207 per year

Primary duties: Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental health disorders. They often use a combination of therapy and medical or prescription treatments.

17. Pharmacist

National average salary: $117,613 per year

Primary duties: Pharmacists provide medication to patients. They collaborate with healthcare providers and educate patients to ensure the best outcomes possible.

Related: Learn About Being a Pharmacist

18. Biostatistician

National average salary: $141,948 per year

Primary duties: A biostatistician is a scientist who organizes, processes and analyzes data from living things, usually in the medical field. Many professionals in this field often teach at the post-secondary level as well.

19. Orthopedic surgeon

National average salary: $152,450 per year

Primary duties: Orthopedic surgeons treat conditions of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints and nerves. They often specialize in one area of the body or type of surgery.

20. Obstetrician

National average salary: $179,721 per year

Primary duties: Obstetricians are medical professionals who provide care to women before, during and after pregnancy. They monitor their patients for any sign of complications, provide treatment if necessary and deliver babies.

21. Neurologist

National average salary: $200,749 per year

Primary duties: Neurologists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat the nervous system, including the nerves, spine and brain. They examine patients, run tests and provide treatment if necessary.

22. Dentist

National average salary: $237,725 per year

Primary duties: Dentists prevent, diagnose and treat conditions of the teeth and mouth. They perform exams, evaluate X-rays, perform preventative education and handle procedures like fillings and root canals.

Related: Learn About Being a Dentist

23. Physician

National average salary: $239,642 per year

Primary duties: Physicians provide preventative medicine services such as physicals and flu shots and care for illness and injury such, as providing medication and tending to wounds.

Related: Learn About Being a Physician

24. Ophthalmologist

National average salary: $239,730 per year

Primary duties: Ophthalmologists diagnose and treat conditions of the eye. They also perform eye exams to prescribe contact lenses and glasses and also provide any necessary preventative care.

25. Orthodontist

National average salary: $242,268 per year

Primary duties: Orthodontists treat dental issues that frequently involve misalignment of the teeth and jaw. They conduct exams, evaluate patients' needs and administer treatment using a variety of equipment, such as braces.

26. Endocrinologist

National average salary: $246,487 per year

Primary duties: Endocrinologists are medical specialists who diagnose and treat conditions of the hormone systems in the body. They examine patients, call for testing if necessary and prescribe treatment when required.

27. Optometrist

National average salary: $258,467 per year

Primary duties: Optometrists diagnose and provide nonsurgical treatment for conditions of the eye. They most frequently conduct eye exams and prescribe glasses and contact lenses.

28. Rheumatologist

National average salary: $261,851 per year

Primary duties: Rheumatologists specialize in treatment of the musculoskeletal system and autoimmune disorders. They examine patients, use diagnostic imaging and refer patients to other specialists if necessary.

29. Oncologist

National average salary: $266,311 per year

Primary duties: Oncologists evaluate and treat patients with cancer. These doctors are categorized by medical, surgical and radiation expertise and often specialize by type of cancer as well.

30. Gastroenterologist

National average salary: $278,882 per year

Primary duties: Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive system, including of the esophagus, stomach and intestines. They examine patients, perform tests such as MRIs and provide treatment.

31. Plastic surgeon

National average salary: $285,386 per year

Primary duties: Plastic surgeons evaluate patients and perform reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. They often specialize in one or more kinds of plastic surgery applications, such as of the nose.

32. Pulmonologist

National average salary: $293,400 per year

Primary duties: Pulmonologists are healthcare professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating ailments of the heart and lungs.

33. Neonatologist

National average salary: $304,080 per year

Primary duties: Neonatologists are pediatricians who are specially trained to treat newborn infants in the neonatal intensive care unit of a hospital (NICU). These doctors treat conditions such as those associated with preterm birth and congenital health issues.

34. Urologist

National average salary: $317,689 per year

Primary duties: Urologists specialize in treating conditions of the urinary tract such as kidneys, bladder and urethra. They also provide care for the male reproductive tract.

Related: Learn About Being a Urologist

35. Neurosurgeon

National average salary: $324,691 per year

Primary duties: Neurosurgeons perform surgery to treat conditions of the brain and spine. They often track a patient's progress from before surgery to post-surgery follow-ups.

36. Cardiologist

National average salary: $333,551 per year

Primary duties: Cardiologists diagnose and treat conditions of the cardiovascular system, including the heart and blood vessels. They perform tests, develop treatment plans and refer patients for surgery if necessary.

37. Anesthesiologist

National average salary: $376,291 per year

Primary duties: Anesthesiologists are responsible for safely sedating or numbing patients prior to medical procedures. Many anesthesiologists specialize in one particular area of care, and many monitor their patients' well-being throughout the process of surgery.

38. Vascular surgeon

National average salary: $460,037 per year

Primary duties: Vascular surgeons treat conditions of the arteries and veins using surgical techniques. Their care usually extends from before surgery to post-operative follow-up appointments.