Comprehensive dermatologist salary data for 2026 with percentile tables, academic vs private practice breakdowns, geographic variance, and subspecialty premium analysis.
Key Takeaways
- Current median dermatologist pay and its percentiles are in the table at the top of this article; private practice earnings run higher
- Mohs surgeons are the highest-earning dermatology subspecialists at $550,000–$900,000+
- Geographic location creates a $100,000+ variance in dermatology compensation
- Dermatology offers one of the best compensation-per-hour ratios in all of medicine
Dermatology remains one of the most sought-after specialties in medicine — and for good reason. The combination of high compensation, predictable hours, and minimal call makes it consistently competitive at the residency match level. But what do dermatologists actually earn in 2026, and how does pay vary by subspecialty, practice setting, and geography?
This guide breaks down dermatologist compensation using self-reported, moderated data from SalaryDr's dermatology salary database, supplemented by MGMA and AMGA benchmarks. Whether you are a dermatology resident evaluating your first offer or a practicing dermatologist considering a change, this data will help you understand where you stand.
Dermatologist Salary by Percentile (2026)
Total compensation includes base salary, productivity bonuses, profit sharing, and benefits value. These figures represent all practice settings combined.
The table at the top of this article shows current dermatologist pay percentiles from approved salary reports, all practice settings combined.
Academic vs. Private Practice Compensation
The practice setting you choose has the single largest impact on your dermatology compensation. Private practice dermatologists consistently out-earn their academic counterparts, though academic positions offer other advantages including research time, teaching opportunities, and stronger retirement benefits.
| Setting | Median Total Comp | Typical Range | Call Burden |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academic (University) | $370,000 | $300K–$450K | Minimal |
| Hospital-Employed | $430,000 | $350K–$530K | Low |
| Single-Specialty Group | $520,000 | $400K–$680K | Minimal |
| Solo/Private Practice | $580,000 | $400K–$900K+ | None |
The gap between academic and private practice has widened in recent years. Practice owners who also perform cosmetic procedures (Botox, fillers, lasers) can add $100,000–$300,000 or more in additional revenue. However, private practice ownership also carries overhead costs, staffing challenges, and business risk that employed positions do not.
Geographic Salary Variance
Where you practice dermatology matters — a lot. Saturated metropolitan markets like New York City and San Francisco have higher absolute salaries but lower compensation relative to cost of living. Meanwhile, regions with fewer dermatologists per capita often offer premium packages.
| Region | Median Total Comp | Cost-of-Living Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast (FL, GA, NC, SC) | $470,000 | $490,000 |
| Midwest (OH, IN, MI, MN) | $460,000 | $500,000 |
| Southwest (TX, AZ, NM) | $480,000 | $485,000 |
| West Coast (CA, WA, OR) | $500,000 | $420,000 |
| Northeast (NY, MA, CT, NJ) | $490,000 | $410,000 |
| Mountain (CO, UT, MT) | $450,000 | $455,000 |
Compensation Structure Breakdown
Understanding how your dermatology compensation package is structured is critical for comparing offers. A $450,000 total comp package with a $400,000 guarantee is very different from a $450,000 package where $150,000 depends on hitting RVU targets.
Base salary typically accounts for 70-85% of total compensation in employed settings. The remainder comes from productivity bonuses (usually tied to wRVU thresholds), quality bonuses, and occasionally profit sharing.
Common productivity metrics in dermatology:
- wRVU targets — median threshold is approximately 7,500-8,500 wRVUs for general dermatology
- Collections-based — typically 40-55% of net collections in private practice
- Encounter-based — less common but used in some employed models (25-35 patients per day target)
Subspecialty Premium Analysis
Dermatology subspecialization can significantly impact your earning potential. Here is how the major dermatology subspecialties compare:
| Subspecialty | Median Total Comp | Premium vs. General Derm |
|---|---|---|
| General Dermatology | $455,000 | — |
| Mohs Surgery | $650,000 | +43% |
| Dermatopathology | $500,000 | +10% |
| Cosmetic Dermatology | $550,000 | +21% |
| Pediatric Dermatology | $380,000 | -16% |
Mohs surgery offers the most significant compensation premium, reflecting the procedural nature of the subspecialty and the high demand for skin cancer treatment. Cosmetic dermatology earnings can vary enormously based on the volume of elective procedures and the success of the practice's marketing.
Protect Your Physician Income
Own-occupation disability insurance is critical for physicians—your specialty training is your most valuable asset. Compare physician-specific quotes from multiple carriers through LeverageRx, an independent broker. Compare disability insurance quotes →
Partner link: SalaryDr earns a referral fee from LeverageRx when you request a quote. Your price is the same either way.
For detailed, real-time compensation data across all dermatology subspecialties, explore SalaryDr's dermatology salary page. You can also request a benchmark report for contract negotiations or compare your compensation with peers by submitting your salary data.