How much does a dermatologist make?
The median dermatologist in the United States earns $239,200+ per year. That is the midpoint of the profession: half of all dermatologists earn more, and half earn less.
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024. SOC code 29-1213.
Dermatologist salary range
Pay for dermatologists spans a wide band. The lowest paid 10 percent earn under $118,540 a year, while the highest paid 10 percent take home more than $239,200+. The average (mean) wage of $347,810 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
| Percentile | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $118,540 | Lowest paid |
| 25th percentile | $172,510 | |
| Median (50th) | $239,200+ | Midpoint |
| 75th percentile | $239,200+ | |
| 90th percentile | $239,200+ | Highest paid |
Figures are national wage estimates for dermatologists (SOC 29-1213), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
Dermatologist salary by state
Where you work changes the paycheck. Dermatologists earn the most in Alabama at $239,200+ a year, and the least in Texas at $172,510. The table below lists every state with published data, ranked by median annual salary.
| State | Median annual | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $239,200+ | 120 |
| Arkansas | $239,200+ | 50 |
| California | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Colorado | $239,200+ | 240 |
| Delaware | $239,200+ | 60 |
| Illinois | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Indiana | $239,200+ | 140 |
| Iowa | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Louisiana | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Maine | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Maryland | $239,200+ | 250 |
| Michigan | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Minnesota | $239,200+ | 200 |
| Mississippi | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Montana | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Nebraska | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Nevada | $239,200+ | 180 |
| New Hampshire | $239,200+ | 70 |
| New Jersey | $239,200+ | N/A |
| New York | $239,200+ | 1,400 |
| North Carolina | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Ohio | $239,200+ | 230 |
| Oregon | $239,200+ | 210 |
| Pennsylvania | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Rhode Island | $239,200+ | 30 |
| South Carolina | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Tennessee | $239,200+ | 130 |
| Utah | $239,200+ | N/A |
| Washington | $239,200+ | 140 |
| West Virginia | $215,740 | 60 |
| Virginia | $187,150 | N/A |
| Texas | $172,510 | 740 |
State median wages for dermatologists (SOC 29-1213), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS state files, May 2024. States where the BLS does not publish a median are not shown.
Job outlook for dermatologists
The BLS projects employment of dermatologists to grow 6.8% from 2025 to 2035. That is faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. That works out to roughly 12,200 jobs in 2025 moving toward 13,000 by 2035.
Across the decade, the BLS expects about 400 openings a year for dermatologists. Most come from the need to replace workers who move to other jobs or leave the workforce, on top of any new positions from growth.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025-35 (Table 1.2, Occupational projections and worker characteristics).
How to become a dermatologist
The typical entry-level education for dermatologists is a doctoral or professional degree, according to the BLS. New hires typically complete an internship or residency to reach full competency.
Education, training, and experience data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program.
What affects how much a dermatologist earns
Specialty, work setting, shift differentials, certifications, and region drive the numbers. Hospitals, surgical settings, and high cost metros pay above clinics and rural facilities.
Location is one of the clearest factors. The gap between the top paying state (Alabama, $239,200+) and the lowest (Texas, $172,510) shows how much geography alone can move the number, before experience or specialization.
About 10,080 people work as dermatologists in the United States. At $239,200+ a year, the job pays above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs.
Dermatologist salary FAQ
How much does a dermatologist make an hour?
Dermatologists are generally salaried rather than paid by the hour, so the BLS does not publish an hourly wage for this job. The median annual salary is $239,200+.
What is the highest dermatologist salary?
The highest paid 10 percent of dermatologists earn more than $239,200+ per year. Top earners usually have the most experience and work in the best paying regions and industries.
How much does a dermatologist make a year?
The median annual salary for a dermatologist is $239,200+. The average (mean) wage of $347,810 runs a bit higher than the median, which is normal for jobs where a group of top earners pulls the average up.
Is being a dermatologist a well paid job?
At $239,200+ a year, a dermatologist earns above the $49,500 median for all U.S. jobs. About 10,080 people work as dermatologists in the United States.
Which state pays dermatologists the most?
Alabama has the highest median salary for dermatologists at $239,200+ a year. Arkansas ($239,200+) and California ($239,200+) follow. State medians come from the BLS OEWS state files, May 2024.
Is being a dermatologist a good career?
Employment of dermatologists is projected to grow 6.8% from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3.5% average for all occupations. The BLS projects about 400 openings each year, from growth and from workers leaving the occupation.
Do you need a degree to become a dermatologist?
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education for dermatologists as a doctoral or professional degree, so a college degree is usually expected.
Related salaries
See more in Healthcare salaries or browse the highest paying jobs in the U.S.