How much do dermatologists make?
Dermatologists earn well into the high six figures, with a BLS mean wage around $267,200 per year (roughly $128 per hour) and survey-based average total compensation near $454,000 (Medscape 2026). Pay varies widely with practice type, location, and procedure mix.
Cost breakdown
| Option | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level / early career | ~$250,000 - $300,000 | About $120 - $144/hour; new dermatologists and employed associates |
| Mean wage (BLS) | ~$267,200 | About $128/hour; BLS mean annual wage for dermatologists (May 2024) |
| Average total compensation (Medscape) | ~$454,000 | Includes salary plus bonuses and profit-sharing (Medscape 2026) |
| Typical benchmark range | $454,000 - $508,000 | Most working dermatologists land in this band across surveys |
| Top earners / owners (high end) | $600,000 - $700,000+ | Self-reported by practice owners and high-volume cosmetic practices |
Typical dermatologist pay
Dermatology is one of the higher-paying medical specialties. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a mean annual wage of about $267,200 for dermatologists (May 2024), roughly $128 per hour, though physician wages at the top of the scale are often reported as a floor rather than a precise figure.
Survey-based sources that capture bonuses and profit-sharing run higher. The Medscape 2026 compensation report puts average dermatologist total compensation near $454,000, and most working dermatologists land in roughly the $454,000 to $508,000 range across major benchmarks.
What drives earnings
The biggest factors are practice ownership, the mix of medical versus cosmetic work, location, and patient volume. Cosmetic and procedural dermatology, which often involves elective cash-pay services, can lift income well above the medical-only average.
Employed associates typically earn closer to the lower end of the benchmark range with a base salary plus production bonuses, while practice owners and high-volume cosmetic providers report the highest totals. Self-reported figures from owners can exceed $600,000, reflecting business profit rather than a fixed salary.
Outlook for dermatologists
Demand for dermatology remains strong, driven by an aging population, skin-cancer screening, and steady interest in cosmetic procedures. The specialty consistently ranks among the better-compensated and most competitive fields in medicine.
Because survey averages capture bonuses and ownership income that BLS wage data does not, it is reasonable to treat the BLS mean (about $267,200) as a conservative anchor and the Medscape figure (about $454,000) as the typical all-in total for a practicing dermatologist.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the average dermatologist salary?
- Around $454,000 in average total compensation per Medscape's 2026 report, while the BLS mean wage is about $267,200 because it excludes bonuses and profit-sharing.
- Why do dermatologist salary figures vary so much?
- BLS tracks base wages, while survey sites add bonuses, profit-sharing, and owner income. Cosmetic and procedural work also pushes some dermatologists well above average.
- Can dermatologists earn more than $500,000?
- Yes. Practice owners and high-volume cosmetic dermatologists self-report totals of $600,000 to $700,000 or more, though that reflects business profit, not a fixed salary.
Researched and edited by Calvin Lauderdale, Lead Researcher & Editor. Figures on this page were verified against the sources above as of June 23, 2026.