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 verified physician data to help you make an informed decision.
See how Dermatologist salaries, lifestyle metrics, and training requirements compare to Anesthesiologist data from verified submissions on SalaryDr. Dermatology requires 4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr derm), while Anesthesiology requires 4-year residency.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dermatology | Anesthesiology |
|---|---|---|
| Training Length | 4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr derm) | 4-year residency |
| Practitioner Title | Dermatologist | Anesthesiologist |
| Live Salary Data | View Dermatology salary → | View Anesthesiology salary → |
| Lifestyle Rating | See details below | See details below |
Salary figures are updated in real-time on each specialty page from verified physician submissions.
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: 41 hours
- Take call: 33% of physicians
- Average PTO: 44 days/year
Anesthesiology
Variable lifestyle depending on practice. OR-based work with call. Some positions offer shift-based models.
- Average work week: 50 hours
- Take call: 91% of physicians
- Average PTO: 54 days/year
Satisfaction & Lifestyle by the Numbers
Based on 281 verified physician submissions across both specialties.
| Metric | Dermatology | Anesthesiology |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction | 4.5/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Would Choose Again | 94% | 91% |
| Avg Hours/Week | 41 | 50 |
| Takes Call | 33% | 91% |
| Avg Call Days/Month | — | — |
| Avg PTO Days/Year | 44 | 54 |
| Physician Submissions | 91 submissions | 190 submissions |
“Excellent. Work only 32 h a week, 9 weeks of pto, excellent flexibility with my schedule, great support from MA staff. ”— Dermatology Physician
“I just cover outpatient surgery centers and each day is different. Sometimes they are longer days, but I have an idea of what the day will be like ahe...”— Anesthesiology Physician
Practice Setting Distribution
Where Dermatology and Anesthesiology physicians work, based on verified salary submissions. Practice setting significantly impacts both compensation and day-to-day lifestyle.
Dermatology
Based on 91 verified submissions
Anesthesiology
Based on 190 verified submissions
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
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