Dermatologist Salary in 2026
Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, from acne and eczema to skin cancer. They perform procedures including biopsies and cosmetic treatments.
Median Salary
$339,000
$28,250/mo
Entry Level
$247,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$421,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Dermatologist Overview
Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails, from acne and eczema to skin cancer. They perform procedures including biopsies and cosmetic treatments.
Education
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Experience
4 year residency
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
12K
5-Year Growth
+9%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$162.98/hr
Monthly Pay
$28,250
Dermatologist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Dermatologist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Dermatologist Salary
$362,000
$30,167/month · $13,923/biweekly · $174.04/hr
Dermatologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Dermatologist field.
Entry-level Dermatologists earn around $247,000, while the top 10% earn $453,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Dermatologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $400,000 | +$61,000 |
| New York | $390,000 | +$51,000 |
| Illinois | $353,000 | +$14,000 |
| Florida | $332,000 | $-7,000 |
| Texas | $332,000 | $-7,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Dermatologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $400,000 | +$61,000 |
| Los Angeles | $380,000 | +$41,000 |
| Chicago | $356,000 | +$17,000 |
| Miami | $346,000 | +$7,000 |
| Houston | $336,000 | $-3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Dermatologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Dermatologist from entry level to expert.
$247,000
0-2 years
$334,000
3-7 years
$421,000
8-14 years
$485,000
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Dermatologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Dermatologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Dermatologist in the United States is $339,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $247,000, while senior professionals earn up to $421,000. Top earners in the field can make $485,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Dermatologist?
A Dermatologist typically requires a Doctor of Medicine (MD) with 4 year residency of experience. Key skills include Skin Diagnosis, Dermatologic Surgery, Cosmetic Procedures. Relevant certifications such as Board Certification or State Licensure can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Dermatologists?
The job market for Dermatologists is projected to grow by 4% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 12K Dermatologist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 9%, reflecting moderate demand for this role.
Which states pay Dermatologists the most?
The highest-paying states for Dermatologists include California, New York, Florida. In California, the median salary is approximately $400,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Dermatologist salary?
To increase your Dermatologist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Skin Diagnosis and Dermatologic Surgery. Pursue certifications such as Board Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 4 year residency of experience, you can progress from $247,000 to $421,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Dermatologist Salary
How we calculate Dermatologist salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $339,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Dermatologist in the Healthcare sector.
- Entry-level ($247,000) and senior-level ($421,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 12K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 9% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Healthcare sector wages.
- Education requirement: Doctor of Medicine (MD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $339,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Dermatologist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Dermatologist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Dermatologist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Skin Diagnosis, Dermatologic Surgery, Cosmetic Procedures), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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