Discover dermatologist salary ranges, highest-paying specialties, and career growth potential in this comprehensive 2024 guide.
If you’re considering a career in dermatology, you’re likely drawn to both its medical rewards and earning potential. Dermatologists enjoy some of the highest salaries in medicine while treating conditions from acne to skin cancer.
This guide will help you understand:
✔ Average dermatologist salaries by experience and specialty
✔ Highest-paying states and practice settings
✔ Career path from residency to partnership
✔ Key factors that boost earning potential
Let’s examine what makes dermatology one of medicine’s most lucrative specialties.
What Is a Dermatologist?
Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in:
- Diagnosing/treating skin conditions
- Performing surgical procedures (Mohs surgery, excisions)
- Managing cosmetic treatments (Botox, fillers, laser therapy)
They work in:
✔ Private practices (most common)
✔ Hospitals/academic medical centers
✔ Cosmetic dermatology clinics
This specialty combines medical, surgical, and cosmetic work – offering diverse practice opportunities.
Average Dermatologist Salary (2024 Data)
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Resident | $60,000 – $70,000 |
| New Physician (1-3 yrs) | $250,000 – $350,000 |
| Mid-Career (5-10 yrs) | $350,000 – $450,000 |
| Experienced (10+ yrs) | $400,000 – $700,000+ |
Sources: MGMA, Doximity, Medscape
Highest-Paying Dermatology Specialties
- Mohs Surgeon – $700,000+
- Dermatopathologist – $450,000-$600,000
- Pediatric Dermatologist – $350,000-$500,000
- Cosmetic Dermatologist – $300,000-$1M+ (varies by practice)
What Affects Dermatologist Salaries?
1. Practice Setting
- Private Practice Owners earn 2-3x employed physicians
- Cosmetic Clinics offer high earning potential (procedures = profit)
- Academic Medicine pays less but offers research opportunities
2. Geographic Location
Top Paying States:
- North Dakota – $482,000
- Wyoming – $475,000
- Wisconsin – $462,000
(Lower competition often means higher salaries in rural areas)
3. Subspecialization
- Mohs Surgery adds $200K+ to base salary
- Cosmetic Focus allows premium pricing
- Teledermatology creates passive income streams
4. Productivity Models
Many dermatologists earn 30-50% of collections, meaning:
- More patients = Higher pay
- Efficient practices = Greater profits
Dermatology Career Path & Growth
| Stage | Typical Salary | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Medical School | ($200K debt) | Complete MD/DO |
| Residency | $60K-$70K | 4 years training |
| First Job | $250K-$350K | Join established practice |
| Partnership | $400K-$700K | 2-5 years to buy-in |
| Practice Owner | $500K-$1M+ | Build patient base |
Job Outlook:
- 11% growth projected (faster than average)
- Aging population driving demand
- Cosmetic procedures expanding market
How to Maximize Your Dermatology Salary
1. Choose the Right Residency
- Competitive programs with surgical focus open doors to higher-paying subspecialties
2. Develop Procedural Skills
- Mohs surgery certification = biggest salary booster
- Cosmetic training (fillers, lasers) increases earning potential
3. Consider Practice Ownership
- Owners earn 2-3x employed dermatologists
- MedSpa additions can double practice revenue
4. Location Strategy
- Underserved areas offer signing bonuses + higher reimbursements
- Affluent communities support cosmetic practices
Key Terms to Know
- Mohs Surgery: Precise skin cancer removal (highest-paid skill)
- RVUs: Relative Value Units (how productivity is measured)
- MedSpa: Cosmetic practice extension (profit center)
FAQs About Dermatologist Salaries
❓ Do dermatologists really make $1 million?
✅ Yes, in cosmetic practices – top earners combining medical and cosmetic services can reach 7 figures.
❓ Is dermatology competitive to get into?
⚠ Extremely – it’s one of the most competitive residencies (average Step 1 score >240).
❓ What’s the work-life balance like?
🌟 Excellent – most dermatologists work 35-45 hrs/week with minimal emergencies.
Challenges to Consider
⚠ 10+ Years Training (4 med school + 4 residency)
⚠ High Education Debt ($200K-$300K average)
⚠ Business Skills Needed for practice ownership
Final Verdict: Is Dermatology Worth It?
With top-tier salaries, excellent lifestyle, and diverse practice options, dermatology remains one of medicine’s most rewarding fields. While competitive to enter, the long-term financial and professional rewards make it worth the effort for many physicians.
Ready to pursue dermatology? Focus on building strong academic credentials and procedural skills during training.
Have questions about becoming a dermatologist? Ask below and we’ll help guide your career decisions!