Dermatologists are among the highest-compensated physician specialists in the United States.
The BLS reports a median annual wage of approximately $252,760 for physicians and surgeons broadly (SOC 29-1228) as of 2024 BLS data.
Dermatology as a specialty typically commands compensation well above this general physician median; industry compensation surveys consistently report dermatologist median total compensation in the range of $350,000–$450,000 per year, with procedural and cosmetic dermatologists frequently earning more.
Dermatology is one of the most competitive medical specialties to enter, with a limited number of residency positions relative to applicants.
Geographic location, practice type (academic vs. private), the mix of medical vs. cosmetic services, and years in practice are among the key factors influencing dermatologist earnings.
For context on how dermatologist pay compares across physician specialties, see the doctor salary overview.
The overall physician employment outlook is projected to grow approximately 3% through 2032.
Dermatologist Salary Overview (2026)
The BLS classifies dermatologists under the broad physicians and surgeons category (SOC 29-1228).
According to 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, this broad category reported a median annual wage of approximately $252,760.
However, dermatology is consistently among the higher-paid medical specialties, and industry compensation surveys place dermatologist total median compensation in the range of $350,000–$450,000 annually.
Because the BLS does not separately report wages for individual physician specialties, specialty-level figures draw on industry compensation survey sources to supplement BLS data. The table below shows estimated dermatologist compensation ranges by percentile as of 2026:
| Percentile (Est.) | Estimated Annual Compensation |
|---|---|
| 25th | ~$300,000 |
| 50th (Median) | ~$400,000 |
| 75th | ~$500,000 |
| 90th | ~$600,000+ |
These estimates are based on available industry and BLS data as of 2026 and represent approximations, not guarantees.
For a complete breakdown of how any hourly wage in these ranges translates to annual, monthly, weekly, and after-tax take-home, see our hourly-to-annual salary conversion guides.
Dermatologist Pay by Experience Level
Dermatologist compensation follows the typical physician career trajectory, with training years (residency and fellowship) representing a period of lower compensation before attending-level salary begins.
Once in practice, dermatologists may see income grow as they build a patient panel and, in private practice, add cosmetic and elective services.
| Career Stage | Estimated Annual Compensation Range |
|---|---|
| Dermatology Resident (PGY-2 to PGY-4) | ~$60,000 – $90,000 (stipend) |
| Fellow (if pursuing subspecialty) | ~$65,000 – $100,000 (stipend) |
| New Attending (Year 1–3) | $280,000 – $380,000 |
| Experienced Attending / Partner (5+ years) | $380,000 – $600,000+ |
Dermatologists with well-established cosmetic practices may earn beyond these ranges. These figures are estimates based on available industry data as of 2026.
Subspecialty Differences
Dermatology subspecialties include Mohs micrographic surgery (for skin cancer excision), dermatopathology, cosmetic dermatology, and pediatric dermatology.
Mohs surgeons are among the highest-compensated dermatologists, as the procedure is technical, time-intensive, and typically billed at higher rates.
Cosmetic dermatologists who offer aesthetic procedures — such as injectable neurotoxins, fillers, laser treatments, and chemical peels — may earn substantial additional income from elective services not covered by insurance, as these procedures are billed directly to patients.
Dermatologist Salary by State and Region
Geographic location affects dermatologist compensation in both nominal and real terms.
High-cost states such as California, New York, and New Jersey may offer higher nominal salaries but also have higher practice overhead, taxes, and cost of living in California and similar markets.
States in the South and Midwest — including Texas and Florida — may offer competitive compensation with lower overhead; comparing the cost of living in Texas or the cost of living in Florida against coastal salaries can reveal meaningful differences in purchasing power.
The geographic distribution of dermatologists is notably uneven: urban and suburban areas with higher household incomes tend to support stronger demand for both medical and cosmetic dermatology, while rural areas often face significant dermatologist shortages.
Rural practices and critical access markets may offer higher base salaries or loan repayment incentives to recruit dermatologists to underserved areas.
The geographic scarcity of dermatologists in many rural markets may persist through the late 2020s given the limited number of dermatology residency positions nationwide.
Factors That Affect Dermatologist Pay
Several factors influence dermatologist compensation, including the mix of medical versus cosmetic services, practice ownership, and subspecialty training.
Medical vs. Cosmetic Practice Mix
Medical dermatology — treating conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and skin cancer — is primarily insurance-reimbursed.
Cosmetic dermatology — including Botox, dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, and body contouring — is typically cash-pay or elective and not covered by insurance.
Practices with a high proportion of cosmetic services may generate more revenue per procedure, which can substantially boost overall compensation.
The proportion of cosmetic services in a practice depends on patient demographics, local market, and physician interest. Dermatologists building a practice should also compare the plastic surgeon salary, as some procedures overlap between the two specialties.
Practice Ownership
Dermatologists who own their practice capture practice revenue rather than just a physician salary, which can significantly increase overall income.
However, practice ownership also introduces business risk, overhead management, and capital requirements.
The trend toward private equity consolidation in dermatology has created additional options — including selling a practice to a larger group while remaining as a clinician.
Practice owners should work with a financial advisor familiar with the fiduciary standard to ensure their compensation, investment, and retirement strategies are aligned with their long-term goals.
Subspecialty and Procedures
Mohs surgeons, cosmetic dermatologists, and dermatopathologists typically earn above the general dermatologist median.
The procedural nature of Mohs surgery and cosmetic services supports higher per-encounter revenue than visit-based medical dermatology, contributing to higher overall compensation for those who specialize in these areas.
Academic vs. Private Practice
Academic dermatologists at medical schools and teaching hospitals typically earn less in base compensation than their private practice peers, but may receive supplemental income from research grants, academic stipends, and industry consulting.
Academic positions also offer research time, teaching opportunities, and institutional prestige that are not reflected in base salary figures.
Dermatologist Career Outlook
The employment outlook for physicians and surgeons overall — the BLS category that includes dermatologists — is projected to grow approximately 3% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Dermatology specifically is expected to face ongoing demand pressures from an aging population — which has higher rates of skin cancer and chronic skin conditions — and from growing consumer interest in cosmetic skin care procedures.
The supply of dermatologists is constrained by a limited number of residency training positions relative to the pool of qualified applicants.
Dermatology consistently ranks among the most competitive medical specialties for residency match.
This supply limitation may support continued high compensation levels and favorable employment conditions for trained dermatologists through the projection period and beyond, as of 2026 projections.
Physicians entering high-earning specialties should prioritize salary negotiation skills when evaluating practice partnership offers, and should review 401(k) contribution strategy options alongside SEP-IRA or defined benefit plans available to self-employed physicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a dermatologist make per year?
While the BLS reports a broad physician median of approximately $252,760 for SOC 29-1228 as of 2024 BLS data, industry compensation surveys place dermatologist median total compensation in the $350,000–$450,000 range annually.
Cosmetic-focused dermatologists and Mohs surgeons may earn more.
For comparison, the orthodontist salary and dentist salary represent other high-earning healthcare specialties that require similar levels of competitive training.
Do cosmetic dermatologists earn more than medical dermatologists?
Typically, yes.
Cosmetic procedures — such as injectable neurotoxins, fillers, and laser treatments — are cash-pay elective services that are not subject to insurance reimbursement schedules.
A practice with a high cosmetic service volume may generate more revenue per procedure than one focused exclusively on insurance-reimbursed medical dermatology.
How competitive is it to become a dermatologist?
Dermatology is one of the most competitive specialties in U.S. medical school match.
A limited number of residency positions exist nationally, and most successful applicants have strong Step 1 and Step 2 scores, research experience, and competitive applications.
The scarcity of residency positions also contributes to the specialty's above-average compensation.
What is Mohs surgery and why does it affect dermatologist pay?
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise technique for removing certain types of skin cancer, examining tissue margins in real time, and minimizing healthy tissue removal.
It is technically demanding, time-intensive, and typically reimbursed at higher rates than standard excisions.
Dermatologists who are trained and board-certified in Mohs surgery are among the highest earners in the specialty.
What is the job growth outlook for dermatologists?
The BLS projects approximately 3% overall growth for physicians and surgeons from 2022 to 2032.
Dermatology-specific demand is supported by an aging population with higher skin cancer rates, growing demand for cosmetic procedures, and persistent dermatologist shortages in rural and underserved areas.
The limited number of dermatology residency positions constrains supply growth.
High-earning dermatologists should also review average net worth by age benchmarks to ensure their savings and investment strategy is on track with their income level.
Sources & References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons (SOC 29-1228). May 2024. — https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291228.htm
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Physicians and Surgeons. 2024–2025 Edition. — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physicians-and-surgeons.htm
- O*NET OnLine. Dermatologists (29-1213.00). National Center for O*NET Development. — https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1213.00
Last updated: April 27, 2026