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
$328,730
$27,394/mo
Entry Level
$239,500
starting pay
Senior Level
$408,200
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Dermatologists (SOC 29-1213) at a national median of $328,730 per year (mean $323,530), or $158.04 per hour, with 11,370 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
11K
5-Year Growth
+9%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$158.04/hr
Monthly Pay
$27,394
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
$351,000
$29,250/month · $13,500/biweekly · $168.75/hr
Dermatologist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Dermatologist field.
Entry-level Dermatologists earn around $239,500, while the top 10% earn $439,250 or more.
Top Paying States for Dermatologists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $388,000 | +$59,270 |
| New York | $378,000 | +$49,270 |
| Illinois | $342,000 | +$13,270 |
| Florida | $322,000 | $-6,730 |
| Texas | $322,000 | $-6,730 |
Top Paying Cities for Dermatologists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $388,000 | +$59,270 |
| Los Angeles | $368,000 | +$39,270 |
| Chicago | $345,000 | +$16,270 |
| Miami | $335,000 | +$6,270 |
| Houston | $325,000 | $-3,730 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Dermatologist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Dermatologist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Dermatologist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Dermatologist from entry level to expert.
$239,500
0-2 years
$324,000
3-7 years
$408,200
8-14 years
$470,300
15+ years
Related Healthcare Jobs
Home Health Aide
Registered Nurse
Occupational Health Nurse
Medical Assistant
Hospital Administrator
Substance Abuse Counselor
Pharmacy Technician
Dental Assistant
Dermatologist Salary FAQ
How much does a Dermatologist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Dermatologist in the United States is $328,730 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Dermatologists (SOC 29-1213); the mean is $323,530. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $239,500, senior professionals around $408,200, and top earners at $470,300 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 11K 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 $388,000. 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 $239,500 to $408,200 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Dermatologist Salary
How we calculate Dermatologist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Dermatologists (SOC 29-1213), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $328,730, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Dermatologists; BLS mean $323,530; BLS hourly median $158.04.
- Entry-level ($239,500) and senior-level ($408,200) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +4% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 11,370 Dermatologists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 9% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Doctor of Medicine (MD), per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $328,730; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
Explore More Job Salaries
Compare salary data for hundreds of jobs across all industries. Find out what you should be earning.