Source: SalaryDr salary data for Dermatology (N=84 verified submissions, updated March 19, 2026, data as of 2026-03-19). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a dermatologist requires 9 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 4 years (1 intern + 3 derm) of residency, and 1-2 years (optional). The median attending salary is $640,000/year based on 84 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
4 years (1 intern + 3 derm)
Residency salary data not yet available. Typical resident salaries range from $63,000-$88,000/year.(2 submissions)
1-2 years (optional)
Optional fellowship. Fellows typically earn $70,000-$95,000/year.
0-5 years experience
Based on 20 verified submissions(20 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 53 verified submissions(53 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 11 verified submissions(11 submissions)
Dermatologist salaries typically increase significantly with experience. Mid-career dermatologists earn approximately $200,000 more per year than early career physicians — a 43% increase. Senior dermatologists earn a median of $800,000/year, reflecting peak earning potential.
| Career Stage | Median Salary | vs. Early Career | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career (0-5 yrs) | $460,000 | Baseline | 20 |
| Mid-Career (6-15 yrs) | $660,000 | +$200,000 | 53 |
| Senior (16+ yrs) | $800,000 | +$340,000 | 11 |
It takes 9 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 4 years (1 intern + 3 derm) of residency, and 1-2 years (optional). Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Dermatologists earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (9 years post-college). During residency and fellowship, physicians earn a training salary that is significantly less than attending pay.
With average medical school debt of $200,000 and a median attending salary of $640,000, dermatologists can typically expect to reach a financial break-even point approximately 1 years after starting attending practice. Actual timelines vary based on loan terms, living expenses, and repayment strategy.
Yes. Dermatology attending salaries generally increase with experience. Our data shows mid-career dermatologists (6-15 years) earn approximately 43% more than early career physicians (0-5 years).
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