Dermatology vs Anesthesiology: Salary, Lifestyle & Training (2026)
Choosing between Dermatology and Anesthesiology 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 Dermatologist salaries, lifestyle metrics, and training requirements compare to Anesthesiologist data from approved salary reports on SalaryDr. Dermatology requires 4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr derm), while Anesthesiology requires 4-year residency.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dermatology | Anesthesiology |
|---|---|---|
| Median total pay | $620,000 → | $527,500 → |
| Middle 50% of pay | $498,415 – $700,000 | $465,000 – $600,000 |
| Approved reports | 88 | 166 |
| Training Length | 4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr derm) | 4-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | Dermatologist | Anesthesiologist |
| 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: Dermatology vs Anesthesiology
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.
Anesthesiology
4-year residency
Anesthesiology requires four years of training: a clinical base year followed by three years of anesthesiology-specific training. Fellowship options include pain medicine, cardiac anesthesiology, and critical care.
Lifestyle & Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is one of the most important factors physicians weigh when choosing a specialty. Here is how Dermatology and Anesthesiology compare on key lifestyle dimensions.
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
Anesthesiology
Variable lifestyle depending on practice. OR-based work with call. Some positions offer shift-based models.
- Average work week: 47 hours
- Take call: 89% of physicians
- Average PTO: 58 days/year
Satisfaction & Lifestyle by the Numbers
Based on 254 approved physician salary reports across both specialties.
| Metric | Dermatology | Anesthesiology |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction | 4.5/5 | 3.9/5 |
| Would Choose Again | 94% | 91% |
| Avg Hours/Week | 40 | 47 |
| Takes Call | 32% | 89% |
| Avg Call Days/Month | — | — |
| Avg PTO Days/Year | 49 | 58 |
| Physician Submissions | 88 submissions | 166 submissions |
Practice Setting Distribution
Where Dermatology and Anesthesiology physicians work, based on approved salary reports. Practice setting significantly impacts both compensation and day-to-day lifestyle.
Dermatology
Based on 88 approved reports
Anesthesiology
Based on 166 approved reports
Career Outlook & Job Market
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.
Anesthesiology Outlook
Anesthesiology demand remains strong, though the competitive landscape includes CRNAs in some states. Subspecialization in cardiac, pediatric, or obstetric anesthesia can differentiate earning potential.
Compensation Growth Trajectory
Physician salaries in both Dermatology and Anesthesiology 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 Dermatology and Anesthesiology salary-by-experience pages.
Explore Deeper Data
Benchmark Reports
Lifestyle & Satisfaction
Is It Worth It?
Training & Residency
Related Comparisons
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