Healthcare career

Dermatologist

Also called: Skin Doctor · Mohs Surgeon · Cosmetic Dermatologist · Pediatric Dermatologist

What dermatologists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a dermatologist do?

Dermatologists are physicians who diagnose and treat diseases of the skin, hair and nails, including skin cancer, acne, eczema and psoriasis. The median pay is $328,730 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 12 years after high school, and employment is projected to grow +6.8% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $328,730
    $158.04/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +6.8%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    400
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Doctoral or professional degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    12 years after high school
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    12,200
    Employment, 2025

What dermatologists do

Dermatologists care for the body’s largest organ. They check for skin cancer, remove suspicious moles, treat acne, eczema, psoriasis and rashes, manage hair and nail disorders, perform skin surgery and offer cosmetic treatments. Mohs surgeons specialize in removing skin cancers while sparing healthy tissue.

Dermatologists complete medical school, a one-year internship and a three-year dermatology residency, one of the most competitive specialties. Most work in outpatient clinics with regular hours.

Typical duties

  • Examine skin, hair and nails
  • Screen for skin cancer
  • Perform biopsies
  • Treat acne, eczema and psoriasis
  • Remove skin cancers
  • Prescribe medications and therapies
  • Offer cosmetic procedures

Work environment and schedule

Dermatologists work mostly in outpatient clinics and surgical suites.

Schedule: Most work regular weekday hours with little emergency call.

A day in the life

  1. Do full-body skin checks.
  2. Biopsy a suspicious mole.
  3. Start a biologic for psoriasis.
  4. Treat teen acne.

See a full day in the life of a dermatologist →

Dermatologist salary

Half of dermatologists earned more than $328,730 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $102,810 for the lowest 10% to $578,560 for the top 10%.

Full dermatologist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a dermatologist

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Complete medical school
  3. Complete internship
  4. Complete dermatology residency
  5. Pass boards

Medical school, a one-year internship, a three-year dermatology residency, a state license and board certification are required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a dermatologist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Skin examination
  • Dermoscopy
  • Biopsy techniques
  • Skin surgery
  • Dermatopathology basics

People skills

  • Attention to detail
  • Communication
  • Empathy
  • Steady hands

All dermatologist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Very high pay
  • Regular hours
  • Visible results
  • Mix of medicine and surgery

Cons

  • Highly competitive residency
  • Long training
  • Busy patient volume
  • Cosmetic business pressure

Certifications and licenses

  • American Board of Dermatology certification: Board certification.
  • State medical license: Required.
  • Mohs surgery fellowship: Micrographic surgery.
  • Pediatric dermatology certification: Subspecialty.

Career path

  1. Dermatology Resident: Train.
  2. Dermatologist: Practice.
  3. Mohs or Subspecialist: Specialize.
  4. Practice Owner: Run a practice.

Learn the job before day one

Our Dermatologist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform a full-body skin check and do a shave biopsy, safety and how to land your first job.

View Dermatologist trainingIs this career right for me?

Pathologist

Diagnose disease by studying tissue, blood and body fluids.

  • $312,400
  • 12 years after high school

Esthetician

Care for clients’ skin with facials, treatments and expert advice.

  • $45,330
  • 4–9 months

Registered Nurse

Assess patients, give treatments, coordinate care and educate families.

  • $97,550
  • 2–4 years

Compare: Dermatologist vs. Pathologist · Dermatologist vs. Esthetician · Dermatologist vs. RN · Dermatologist vs. Family Doctor

Dermatologist FAQ

How long is dermatology training?

About 12 years after high school.

Is dermatology competitive?

Yes, it’s one of the most competitive residencies.

Do dermatologists treat skin cancer?

Yes, they diagnose and remove many skin cancers.

How much does a dermatologist make?

The median annual wage for dermatologists was $328,730 ($158.04 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $102,810 and the highest 10% earned more than $578,560.

How long does it take to become a dermatologist?

Most people need about 12 years after high school of training. Medical school, a one-year internship, a three-year dermatology residency, a state license and board certification are required.

Do you need a degree to be a dermatologist?

Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.

More dermatologist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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