Dermatologists

SOC code 29-1213 · O*NET-SOC 29-1213.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Dermatologists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$328,730

a year

Hourly

$158.04

per hour

10th$102,810Median$328,73090th$578,560

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$323,530

$155.55 per hour

Middle 50%

$139,990 – $452,450

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$102,810 – $578,560

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

11,370

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $102,810; $49.43/hr
25th percentile: $139,990; $67.30/hr
Median percentile: $328,730; $158.04/hr
75th percentile: $452,450; $217.52/hr
90th percentile: $578,560; $278.15/hr

What does a dermatologist do?

Diagnose and treat diseases relating to the skin, hair, and nails. May perform both medical and dermatological surgery functions.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Conduct complete skin examinations.
Diagnose and treat pigmented lesions such as common acquired nevi, congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitz nevi, blue nevi, or melanoma.
Perform incisional biopsies to diagnose melanoma.
Perform skin surgery to improve appearance, make early diagnoses, or control diseases such as skin cancer.
Counsel patients on topics such as the need for annual dermatologic screenings, sun protection, skin cancer awareness, or skin and lymph node self-examinations.
Diagnose and treat skin conditions such as acne, dandruff, athlete's foot, moles, psoriasis, or skin cancer.
Record patients' health histories.
Recommend diagnostic tests based on patients' histories and physical examination findings.

How to become a dermatologist

Most people in this role hold doctoral degree — 56% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Doctoral Degree56%
Post-Doctoral Training31%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree6%
Master's Degree5%

Common questions

How much does a dermatologist earn?

The national median is $328,730 a year. The full range runs from $102,810 at the 10th percentile to $578,560 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a dermatologist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking4.1/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Reading Comprehension3.9/5
Speaking3.9/5
Active Learning3.8/5
Science3.6/5
Writing3.5/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
English Language4.0/5
Administration and Management3.9/5
Education and Training3.8/5
Biology3.7/5
Personnel and Human Resources3.5/5
Psychology3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Service Orientation, Social Perceptiveness, Judgment and Decision Making.