Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle and lower leg problems. They examine patients, read imaging, treat injuries and infections, prescribe, fit orthotics and perform surgery. AI tools can help with notes and imaging review. Examining, treating and operating stay with the podiatrist.
The short answer: very low exposure and a small, steady job. The ILO's 2025 index rates health professionals not elsewhere classified, the closest group, as not exposed with a score of 0.20. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 200 openings a year. Projections are estimates, not guarantees.
How exposed podiatrists are
The International Labour Organization scores occupations' tasks from 0 (cannot be automated with generative AI) to 1 (could be done without a human operator), and groups them into gradients from 1 to 4, with 4 the most exposed; below them sit minimal exposure and not exposed (ILO Working Paper 140, 2025).
| Occupation (ISCO-08) | ILO category | Mean task score (0 to 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Health Professionals Not Elsewhere Classified | Not exposed | 0.20 |
The ILO scores groups of occupations, so this is the closest group for podiatrists, not a score for the job title itself.
What the BLS projects
| Occupation | Projected change 2025 to 2035 | Openings a year |
|---|---|---|
| Podiatrists | Grow 2% | About 200 |
The BLS says an aging population and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity will keep foot and mobility problems common. It expects demand to be limited because many patients may get these services from other physicians or caregivers. Its outlook does not mention AI.
Where AI is helping
- Drafting visit notes for the podiatrist to review.
- Flagging findings on X-rays and other imaging for a second look.
- Handling scheduling, reminders and insurance paperwork.
What stays with podiatrists
- Examination: hands-on assessment of the foot, ankle and gait.
- Treatment and surgery: procedures, wound care and follow-up.
- Accountability: the licensed podiatrist answers for diagnosis and care.
- Checking AI help: generated notes and clinical facts can be wrong, which NIST calls confabulation (NIST AI 600-1). See checking AI output.
How the job is changing
Diabetes and an aging population keep foot care in demand, while competition from other providers limits growth. AI documentation and imaging tools may save time, with the podiatrist still responsible for every decision. This page is general information, not career advice.
See also will AI replace doctors?, will AI replace physical therapists? and will AI replace orthotists and prosthetists?
Pay and how to get in
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median annual pay for podiatrists at $160,300 in May 2025, against $50,980 for all workers. The typical education needed to enter is: doctoral or professional degree. See how this job compares in AI exposure by pay and AI exposure by education level.
Questions and answers
Will AI replace podiatrists?
Not on current projections. The BLS projects 2 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 200 openings a year.
How exposed are podiatrists to AI?
The ILO rates health professionals not elsewhere classified, the closest group, as not exposed with a score of 0.20.
What drives demand for podiatrists?
The BLS points to an aging population and chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
Why is growth slow?
The BLS says many patients may get foot care from other physicians or caregivers.