Dermatologists go through the same amount of schooling and medical training as any other physician. They specialize in the treatment and diagnosis of skin diseases like acne, eczema, skin cancer, psoriasis, and warts. Generally speaking, doctors in the United States are well paid. However, their job duties and work environments may differ based on specialty. If you’re thinking about going to medical school and specializing in dermatology, here are a few salary and work factors to consider.
Average Dermatologist Salary
The national median pay for all physicians and surgeons is around $187,000 per year, which translates to about $90 per hour. The median pay for dermatologists, however, is a bit higher. The median pay for all dermatologists, regardless of sector, is around $250,000-$300,000 per year. Dermatologists who work in the public sector tend to earn around $200,000 per year.
Economic Consideration
When economic times are good, dermatologists make a lot of money. The treatment of many skin diseases, like skin cancer, are vital, but other skin problems are treated based on the preference of the patient. For instance, Botox injections, scar removal, and acne treatments are all livable conditions. This means that when there is economic downturn, people tend to put off those treatments and therefore dermatologists (especially those who work in or own a private practice) may not make as much money.
Education and Skill Level for Dermatologists
All dermatologists are required to have the same amount of education and job training. In order to be board-certified, a dermatologist has to have a bachelor’s degree, a doctorate of medicine, and must have completed a medical internship and three-year residency program in a dermatology specialty. All of this is costly, but the better the education you have, the more likely you are to land a top spot as a dermatologist. Investing in your education means a higher pay-out in your future.
Job Outlook for Dermatologists
Dermatologist spots are competitive, and they are certainly not unlimited. If you want to become a dermatologist, you have to be prepared to make top-notch grades and face the competition. The key is landing one of the few residency positions in dermatology.
