Salary is also one of the major things to consider when deciding on a medical specialty. Dermatology has remained as one of the best-paid sectors in the medical practice. But what, precisely, will then be the salary of a dermatologist in 2025 and what will influence it? As a medical student, a future dermatologist, or a curious individual, one would greatly benefit in terms of focusing specifically on dermatologist charges, prevailing factors, the difference occurring on a geographical basis, and the prospects of becoming one.
What Does a Dermatologist Do?
Let us not rush into salaries but first look at the scope of work that is entailed in dermatology. A medical doctor who diagnoses and treats skin, hair and nail as well as mucous membrane conditions is referred to as a dermatologist. These may include acne, eczema, and psoriasis, or episodes of skin cancer, fungus, and even cosmetic issues on the skin such as old age or loss of hair.
Dermatologists undergo extensive education and training. This includes:
- 4 years of undergraduate study
- 4 years of medical school
- 1 year of internship
- 3 years of dermatology residency
- Optional 1-2 years of fellowship for sub-specialization
This long and rigorous path plays a role in the high salary levels that dermatologists command.
Average Dermatologist Salary in 2025
As of 2025, the average dermatologist salary in the United States ranges from $300,000 to $650,000 per year, depending on several factors such as location, years of experience, sub-specialization, and employment setting.
Dermatologist Salary Table (2025 Estimates)
| Category | Average Annual Salary |
| Entry-Level Dermatologist | $280,000 – $350,000 |
| Mid-Career (5-10 Years) | $350,000–$500,000 |
| Senior-Level (10+ Years) | $450,000 – $650,000 |
| Private Practice Owner | $500,000–$1,000,000+ |
| Cosmetic Dermatologist | $400,000–$800,000 |
| Academic Dermatologist | $180,000 – $300,000 |
| Dermatology Locum Tenens | $150–$250/hour |
Key Factors Influencing Dermatologist Salaries
1. Experience and Career Stage
Experience is a big determinant of salary advancement, as it is in most other medical careers. Dermatologists at their entry level, especially the new ones who have just come out of their residency are normally paid at the lower scale. Dramatic increases are possible in salaries as they gain a patient base and become established.
2. Geographic Location
One of the largest variables in the salary of a dermatologist is location. Where the demand is high and supply is low (such as in rural areas or a poorly served urban area), there is usually a higher salary/signing bonus to take on such a position. Conversely, dermatologists in metropolitan cities such as New York City or San Francisco might have lower pay rates in spite of the higher cost of life because of an increasing level of competition.
3. Employment or the Private Practice
Private practitioners, especially those who own clinics, are more likely to be earning more as compared to their counterparts that are employed by hospitals or academic institutions. Nevertheless, there are inherently the business obligations involved in the practice, such as staffing, overhead boards and marketing in the practice.
4. Cosmetic Dermatology vs. Medical Dermatology
Cosmetic dermatology is usually more profitable since most of the treatments are optional and not covered by insurance. Non-medical services such as Botox, laser therapies, dermal fillers, and chemical peels do not have to be covered by an insurance provider, and thus profit is maximized. Depending on where they are and who they service, cosmetic dermatologists may make more than $600,000 in a year.
5. Sub-Specialization
Dermatology encompasses many subspecialties, including pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, Mohs surgery (a highly accurate form of surgical skin cancer treatment) and cosmetic dermatology. Sub-specialists, especially Mohs surgeons, tend to have above-average salaries—in some cases past the 700 000 a year mark.
Regional Differences in Dermatologist Salaries
High-Paying States for Dermatologists
- North Dakota
- Wyoming
- South Dakota
- Minnesota
- Nevada
These states often face a shortage of dermatologists and offer generous compensation packages to attract talent.
Lower-Paying States (Typically High Competition Areas)
- California
- New York
- Massachusetts
- Florida
- Illinois
Even though these states have top medical institutions, the saturation of healthcare professionals sometimes suppresses earnings.
How Dermatologist Salaries Compare to Other Specialties
Dermatology is consistently one of the top-paying specialties in medicine. According to Medscape’s Physician Compensation Report (2025), dermatology ranks within the top 10 for earnings, competing closely with:
| Specialty | Average Salary (2025) |
| Orthopedic Surgery | $620,000 |
| Cardiology | $560,000 |
| Dermatology | $470,000 |
| Gastroenterology | $510,000 |
| Plastic Surgery | $570,000 |
| Internal Medicine | $270,000 |
| Family Medicine | $250,000 |
This data highlights how dermatology combines high earning potential with relatively fewer emergency calls and manageable hours—a rare balance in healthcare.
Job Outlook for Dermatologists
The demand for dermatologists continues to grow. Several factors contribute to this:
- Increasing awareness of skin health and cancer prevention
- Rising popularity of cosmetic procedures
- Aging population requiring more dermatologic care
- Shortage of dermatologists in rural and underserved areas
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a steady growth rate for physicians and surgeons through 2032, with dermatology showing particularly high demand due to the increase in both cosmetic procedures and skin cancer cases.
Pros and Cons of a Career in Dermatology (Salary-Wise)
Pros
- High Salary Potential: One of the top-paying specialties in medicine
- Work-Life Balance: Fewer emergencies, more scheduled visits
- Lucrative Private Practice Opportunities: Especially in cosmetic dermatology
- Flexible Career Paths: Academic, clinical, cosmetic, or surgical
Cons
- High Competition: Dermatology residencies are among the most competitive
- High Cost of Education: Medical school debt can exceed $200,000
- Overhead Costs in Private Practice: Business ownership comes with financial risks
- Geographic Disparities: Urban saturation may lower pay in certain areas
Tips for Maximizing Dermatologist Income
If you’re on the path to becoming a dermatologist or already in practice, here are several ways to maximize your earning potential:
- Pursue Cosmetic Dermatology: Training in Botox, fillers, lasers, and aesthetic services can significantly increase income.
- Consider Locum Tenens Work: Short-term contracts in underserved areas can provide high hourly rates and bonuses.
- Start a Private Practice: Though it requires capital and management, private practices typically generate higher long-term income.
- Negotiate Wisely: Whether signing a first job contract or renewing terms, negotiating salary, bonuses, and benefits is crucial.
- Build a Brand: Dermatologists with a strong social media presence or who offer teledermatology can build passive revenue streams.
Final Thoughts
Not only is dermatology a prestigious and satisfying practice in the medical field, but it is also a medical career that is highly compensated. Industry job satisfaction However, with the average salaries comfortably above 400,000 and the top end touching or edging into the 1 million mark for the most elite cosmetic dermatologists, it becomes easy to see why the industry stays highly sought-after.
Dermatology is an interesting profession to pursue, whether it is driven by financial stability, freedom of work and life or the chance to positively impact people’s lives concerning skin health and aesthetics.
The ability to treat patients is expanding, accompanied by the high demand of care in dermatology, which is why salaries are likely to be solid in the coming years. To those of you that are serious about majoring in this specialty, this is the moment to invest in the education, training and experience to excel in a very rewarding field.
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