Dermatologist: What They Do, Salary, Education & Certification (2025)

 

💵 Salary Range (USA, 2025)

  • Minimum / Entry-Level: $220,000 - $250,000 for new practitioners, typically in private practice or hospital roles 

  • Median / Average:

    • ~$427,000 (AMN Healthcare report) 

    • ~$394,900 (Resolve.com) 

    • ~$376,700 (ZipRecruiter) 

    • WSJ cites ~ $541,000 median with strong work-life balance perks 

  • Maximum / Top Earners:

    • Experienced dermatologists, especially cosmetic or Mohs specialists, can earn $500k - $750k+, occasionally surpassing $1 million.

🔍 What They Do

Dermatologists are medical doctors specializing in skin, hair, and nails. They diagnose and treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin infections, hair loss, nail disorders, and skin cancers. They also perform procedures—ranging from skin biopsies and mole removals to cosmetic treatments like Botox, fillers, laser therapy, and Mohs micrographic surgery. Beyond medical care, they often collaborate with estheticians and other specialists to ensure comprehensive skin health.

🎓 Education & Training

  1. Bachelor’s degree (4 years, pre-med courses)

  2. Medical school (MD or DO; 4 years)

  3. Internship (1 year)

  4. Dermatology residency (3 years, ACGME-accredited)

  5. Optional fellowship(s) (1–2 years) in subspecialties like Mohs surgery, pediatric dermatology, dermatopathology, cosmetic surgery, lasers

📅 Total training time: 11–12 years post–high school

📜 Certification

  • Board certification through the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) or American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology (AOBD) requiring:

    • Completion of accredited residency

    • Passing a comprehensive written & oral examination

    • Ongoing Maintenance of Certification (MOC), including CME, self-assessments, and practice evaluations over a 10-year cycle

Board certification isn’t legally mandatory but is essential for hospital privileges, insurance, and professional recognition.

🏛️ Licensing

  • Medical license is required in all states, involving passing USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) Steps 1–3 and state board exams

  • Additional certifications or hospital privileges may require dermatology board certification.

📈 Career Outlook & Notes

  • Dermatology remains highly competitive and in-demand, with a favorable work-life balance, often including 4-day work weeks and limited after-hours work 

  • Cosmetic and Mohs subspecialists tend to earn the highest incomes, sometimes exceeding $700k 

  • Rural or underserved areas may offer higher entry-level compensation to attract practitioners 

✅ Final Takeaway

Dermatology blends clinical, medical, and aesthetic care with top-tier compensation:

  • Salary: $220k - $250k entry; median ~$400k - $540k; top earners $500k - $750k+

  • Training: 11–12 years (college → med school → internship → residency → optional fellowship)

  • Certification: ABD/AOBD board certification + MOC

  • Licensing: USMLE/COMLEX + state medical licensure

For those passionate about skin health, combining medical, surgical, and cosmetic paths, dermatology offers a prestigious, flexible, and lucrative career.