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The mean annual wage for a dermatologist as of May 2024 data (the most recent available) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is $347,810. This career can be a challenging and rewarding profession, both financially and emotionally. Dermatologists can help their patients look and feel their best. In some cases, they can even save their lives.
Read on to better understand what it’s like to work as a dermatologist, how much they earn, and the benefits and downsides of choosing this line of work.
Key Points
• The mean annual wage for dermatologists is $347,810, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics..
• Dermatologists can earn varying average salaries based on their workplace, with outpatient care centers paying $474,470 and personal care services paying $173,370 annually.
• Salaries for dermatologists differ by state, with Oregon having the highest at $484,410 and West Virginia having the lowest at $190,320.
• Dermatologists typically require 12 years of training and education, resulting in significant student loan debt, often around $200,000.
• Many dermatologists enjoy their work because it’s fulfilling and involves helping people with skin concerns while earning a good salary.
What Are Dermatologists?
Dermatologists are doctors who specialize in the field of dermatology. They manage diagnoses and treatments relating to skin, hair, and nail health. They help patients with issues ranging from eczema and skin infections to acne and skin cancer.
Some dermatologists perform cosmetic procedures like laser treatments, injections, and chemical peels. An important role that dermatologists also take on is educating patients on sun protection to help them avoid running into skin damage and skin cancer.
As you might imagine, considerable training is involved to become a dermatologist. Typically, it can take 12 years of training and education. To complete this, some aspiring dermatologists will take out student loans. Their average student loan debt can be similar to what any other medical doctor takes on, meaning in the range of $200,000.
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How Much Do Starting Dermatologists Make a Year?
It’s important to note that dermatologists will likely see their salaries rise over time. While their entry-level salary may be lower than the average figure, it should rise as their careers progress.
That being said, the lowest 10% of earners in this role make an estimated annual wage of $118,540 or lower. So even the lowest income is likely around or over the $100,000 a year salary level.
What is the Average Salary for a Dermatologist?
As briefly noted earlier, the average salary or hourly wage for a dermatologist can be affected by where they work.
This applies to the type of medical practice or healthcare setting they work in. Consider the annual mean wage by workplace, all of which can be relatively high-paying:
• Outpatient care centers: $474,470
◦ Offices of physicians: $357,160
• General medical and surgical hospitals: $276,280
• Personal care services: $173,370
• Merchant wholesalers, nondurable goods: $172,080
Next, take a closer look at how dermatologists’ salaries vary by the state they work in, according to the BLS. Please note that information is not available for all states.
What is the Average Dermatologist Salary by State for 2023
| State | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | $390,730 | $187.85 |
| California | $313,320 | $150.64 |
| Colorado | $335,880 | $161.48 |
| Delaware | $352,680 | $169.56 |
| Illinois | $365,240 | $175.60 |
| Indiana | $381,120 | $181.23 |
| Iowa | $348,110 | $167.36 |
| Louisiana | $454,770 | $218.64 |
| Maryland | $459,870 | $221.09 |
| Michigan | $352,520 | $169.48 |
| Minnesota | $447,890 | $215.33 |
| Mississippi | $265,680 | $127.73 |
| Montana | $358,880 | $172.54 |
| Nebraska | $345,060 | $165.89 |
| Nevada | $324,550 | $156.03 |
| New Hampshire | $352,000 | $169.23 |
| New Jersey | $359,830 | $173.00 |
| New York | $297,260 | $142.92 |
| North Carolina | $309,490 | $148.79 |
| Ohio | $351,600 | $169.04 |
| Oregon | $484,410 | $232.89 |
| Rhode Island | $301,410 | $144.91 |
| Tennessee | $337,060 | $162.05 |
| Texas | $324,730 | $156.12 |
| Virginia | $275,690 | $132.54 |
| Washington | $490,820 | $235.97 |
| West Virginia | $190,320 | $91.50 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
đź’ˇ Quick Tip: Income, expenses, and life circumstances can change. Consider reviewing your budget a few times a year and making any adjustments if needed.
Dermatologist Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
In addition to receiving competitive pay, many dermatologists work full-time and therefore qualify for employer benefits.
• If they run their own medical practice, they would need to purchase these benefits for themselves and their employees.
• If they work for a practice they don’t own, for a medical group, or in a hospital setting, they should qualify for valuable employee benefits like paid time off, retirement accounts, and health care.
Pros and Cons of Dermatologist Salary
The main advantage of a dermatologist salary is that it is usually quite high. The tradeoff for that high salary may be a lot of student loan debt, as noted above.
To work as a dermatologist in the United States, you need to attend and finance medical school after receiving an undergraduate degree, which can be quite time-consuming and costly.
The Takeaway
Working as a dermatologist makes it possible to help people dealing with skin concerns, while earning a good salary. Dermatologists earn a mean annual wage of $347,810, which is a salary many people would be happy with. However, obtaining the necessary training can be quite expensive, so dermatologists may start their careers with considerable student loan debt to pay off.
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FAQ
Can you make $100k a year as a dermatologist?
It’s very possible to earn $100,000 a year as a dermatologist. The mean annual salary for a dermatologist in the U.S. is $347,810.
Do people like being a dermatologist?
Many people enjoy working as a dermatologist since this role can be fulfilling on several levels. Not only is the work interesting (diagnosing and resolving health concerns), but it involves helping people live healthier and happier lives.
Is it hard to get hired as a dermatologist?
It may not be challenging to find a job as a dermatologist once you have the proper qualifications. The field is growing at a rate that is at least on par with other professions, if not higher.
About the author
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco is a freelance writer who specializes in financial topics. Her first job out of college was in the financial industry, and it was there she gained a passion for helping others understand tricky financial topics. Read full bio.
Photo credit: iStock/stefanamer
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