Cardiology vs Dermatology: Salary, Lifestyle & Training (2026)
Choosing between Cardiology and Dermatology involves weighing compensation, training length, work-life balance, call responsibilities, and long-term career satisfaction. This comparison uses approved physician salary reports to help you make an informed decision.
See how Cardiologist salaries, lifestyle metrics, and training requirements compare to Dermatologist data from approved salary reports on SalaryDr. Cardiology requires 3yr IM residency + 3yr fellowship, while Dermatology requires 4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr derm).
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cardiology | Dermatology |
|---|---|---|
| Median total pay | $620,000 → | $620,000 → |
| Middle 50% of pay | $516,000 – $715,000 | $498,415 – $700,000 |
| Approved reports | 180 | 88 |
| Training Length | 3yr IM residency + 3yr fellowship | 4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr derm) |
| Practitioner Title | Cardiologist | Dermatologist |
| Lifestyle Rating | See details below | See details below |
Salary figures on each specialty page are recomputed from approved physician salary reports as new reports are approved.
Training Pathway: Cardiology vs Dermatology
Cardiology
3yr IM residency + 3yr fellowship
Becoming a cardiologist requires three years of internal medicine residency followed by a three-year cardiology fellowship — six years of post-medical-school training total. Interventional cardiology adds another one to two years.
Dermatology
4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr derm)
Dermatology is one of the most competitive residencies, requiring a preliminary internship year followed by three years of dermatology training. The short training duration combined with excellent lifestyle and compensation makes it highly sought after.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is one of the most important factors physicians weigh when choosing a specialty. Here is how Cardiology and Dermatology compare on key lifestyle dimensions.
Cardiology
Busy schedule with call for interventional cardiologists. Non-invasive cardiology has better lifestyle.
- Average work week: 53 hours
- Take call: 89% of physicians
- Average PTO: 43 days/year
Dermatology
Outstanding lifestyle with predictable office hours, minimal call, and minimal emergencies.
- Average work week: 40 hours
- Take call: 32% of physicians
- Average PTO: 49 days/year
Satisfaction & Lifestyle by the Numbers
Based on 268 approved physician salary reports across both specialties.
| Metric | Cardiology | Dermatology |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction | 3.9/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Would Choose Again | 89% | 94% |
| Avg Hours/Week | 53 | 40 |
| Takes Call | 89% | 32% |
| Avg Call Days/Month | — | — |
| Avg PTO Days/Year | 43 | 49 |
| Physician Submissions | 180 submissions | 88 submissions |
Practice Setting Distribution
Where Cardiology and Dermatology physicians work, based on approved salary reports. Practice setting significantly impacts both compensation and day-to-day lifestyle.
Cardiology
Based on 180 approved reports
Dermatology
Based on 88 approved reports
Career Outlook & Job Market
Cardiology Outlook
Cardiology demand remains robust, with interventional cardiologists commanding premium compensation. Structural heart disease and electrophysiology are particularly high-growth areas within the field.
Dermatology Outlook
Dermatology offers outstanding job prospects with consistent demand for both medical and cosmetic services. The limited number of training positions keeps supply constrained, supporting strong compensation.
Compensation Growth Trajectory
Physician salaries in both Cardiology and Dermatology typically increase with experience, with the largest jumps in the first 5-10 years post-training. Partnership or ownership in private practice can meaningfully accelerate earnings. For detailed breakdowns, explore the Cardiology and Dermatology salary-by-experience pages.
Explore Deeper Data
Benchmark Reports
Lifestyle & Satisfaction
Is It Worth It?
Training & Residency
Related Comparisons
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