Dermatologist Salary by State
Physicians
Compensation
Workforce
Dermatology remains one of the most lucrative specialties in medicine. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average dermatologist's salary in the United States is $347,810 per year. Dermatologists' salaries rank among the top ten highest-paying physician specialties, and factors like practice location, subspecialty, and practice setting can all shift that number considerably.
Whether a physician is evaluating a new opportunity or a medical student is considering their career path, understanding dermatology salary by state, subspecialty, and career stage is a good place to start.
How Much Does a Dermatologist Make a Year?
The BLS puts the average salary for a dermatologist at $347,810. It is worth noting that this dermatologist's average salary reflects base wages only. When total compensation is factored in, the numbers look different. Recent MGMA data puts the median dermatologist salary at $530,700 when bonuses and profit-sharing are included.
Dermatologist Salary by State
The average salary for a dermatologist varies widely depending on where a physician practices. The table below depicts the average annual salary for Dermatologists in each state according to the most recent BLS data.
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View directlyThe Highest-Paying States for Dermatologists
According to the BLS, the following states provide the highest average annual salaries for dermatologists.
- Washington – $490,820
- Oregon – $484,410
- Maryland – $459,870
- Louisiana – $454,770
- Minnesota – $447,890
Ready to take the next step in your dermatology career? Explore dermatologist jobs across the U.S.
Dermatologist Starting Salary
The starting salary for a dermatologist in a first attending position typically ranges from $200,000 to $300,000, depending on practice setting and geography. While residency salary for a dermatologist runs between $55,000 and $75,000, consistent with standard physician residency pay across most specialties.
Salary for dermatologists varies by practice setting:
- Private practice: $220,000 – $250,000
- Hospitals/health systems: $190,000 – $250,000
- Academic institutions: $180,000 – $200,000
Rural and underserved markets often add signing bonuses and loan repayment incentives on top of base salary to attract new physicians. An entry-level dermatologist's salary grows steadily with experience. Mid-career dermatologists with five or more years of attending experience regularly exceed the BLS national mean.
What Dermatology Subspecialties Earn the Most?
Subspecialty is one of the strongest drivers for a dermatologist's salary. Cosmetic dermatology is by far the most lucrative, focusing on procedures that are not typically covered by insurance, such as Botox, fillers, and laser treatments.
Other high-earning dermatology subspecialties include:
- Cosmetic: $500,000 – $750,000
- Mohs surgery: $450,000 – $600,000
- Dermatopathology: $350,000 – $500,000
- Pediatric dermatology: $250,000 – $400,000
Dermatologist Job Outlook
The BLS projects 6% employment growth for dermatologists from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations, adding approximately 700 positions over the next decade. According to the AAMC, there are over 13,000 practicing dermatologists in the United States today. This demand is driven by several factors: an aging population that requires more frequent skin cancer screenings and growing public awareness of skin health. Dermatology also faces a supply challenge. Only a limited number of residency spots are available each year, which means the number of new dermatologists entering the field cannot keep pace with rising demand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, additional training and credentials beyond medical school can significantly impact dermatologist salary. Fellowship training in subspecialties such as Mohs surgery, dermatopathology, or cosmetic dermatology has the strongest effect, with salary typically ranging from $400,000 to $600,000 or more. Board certification through the American Board of Dermatology validates clinical skills and supports long-term earning potential. Dermatologists with an MD/MBA who pursue practice ownership or leadership roles also report higher total compensation than employed peers.
Cosmetic dermatology is by far the most lucrative, focusing on procedures that are not typically covered by insurance, such as Botox, fillers, and laser treatments. Salaries for cosmetic Dermatologists can range from $500,000 – $750,000 annually.
A dermatologist's starting salary typically ranges from $180,000 to $250,00 annually, depending on location, employer type, and practice setting.
