Dermatology vs Ophthalmology: Salary, Lifestyle & Training (2026)
Choosing between Dermatology and Ophthalmology 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 Ophthalmologist data from approved salary reports on SalaryDr. Dermatology requires 4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr derm), while Ophthalmology requires 4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr ophtho).
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dermatology | Ophthalmology |
|---|---|---|
| Median total pay | $620,000 → | $670,000 → |
| Middle 50% of pay | $498,415 – $700,000 | $483,750 – $714,500 |
| Approved reports | 88 | 100 |
| Training Length | 4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr derm) | 4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr ophtho) |
| Practitioner Title | Dermatologist | Ophthalmologist |
| 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 Ophthalmology
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.
Ophthalmology
4-year residency (1yr internship + 3yr ophtho)
Ophthalmology training includes a preliminary internship year followed by three years of ophthalmology residency. The field uniquely combines microsurgical training with clinic-based care and has maintained strong demand.
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 Ophthalmology 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
Ophthalmology
Very good lifestyle with mostly clinic-based work and limited call.
- Average work week: 44 hours
- Take call: 89% of physicians
- Average PTO: 39 days/year
Satisfaction & Lifestyle by the Numbers
Based on 188 approved physician salary reports across both specialties.
| Metric | Dermatology | Ophthalmology |
|---|---|---|
| Career Satisfaction | 4.5/5 | 4.4/5 |
| Would Choose Again | 94% | 96% |
| Avg Hours/Week | 40 | 44 |
| Takes Call | 32% | 89% |
| Avg Call Days/Month | — | — |
| Avg PTO Days/Year | 49 | 39 |
| Physician Submissions | 88 submissions | 100 submissions |
Practice Setting Distribution
Where Dermatology and Ophthalmology physicians work, based on approved salary reports. Practice setting significantly impacts both compensation and day-to-day lifestyle.
Dermatology
Based on 88 approved reports
Ophthalmology
Based on 100 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.
Ophthalmology Outlook
Ophthalmology demand is growing as the aging population drives need for cataract surgery, glaucoma management, and retinal care. The surgical component maintains strong compensation relative to training length.
Compensation Growth Trajectory
Physician salaries in both Dermatology and Ophthalmology 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 Ophthalmology salary-by-experience pages.
Explore Deeper Data
Benchmark Reports
Lifestyle & Satisfaction
Is It Worth It?
Training & Residency
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