What is a Dermatologist?
Job Description & Duties Diagnose, treat, and help prevent diseases or other conditions of the skin.
Daily Life Of a Dermatologist
- Record patients' health histories.
- Conduct or order diagnostic tests such as chest radiographs (x-rays), microbiologic tests, or endocrinologic tests.
- Perform incisional biopsies to diagnose melanoma.
- Perform skin surgery to improve appearance, make early diagnoses, or control diseases such as skin cancer.
- Conduct clinical or basic research.
- Recommend diagnostic tests based on patients' histories and physical examination findings.
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Qualities of a Dermatologist
Below is a list of the skills most Dermatologists say are important on the job.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Related Job Titles
- Pediatric Dermatologist
- MD Physician-Dermatologist
- Dermatologist, Managing Partner
- MOHS Surgeon/General Dermatologist
- Dermatologist
Is There Job Demand for Dermatologists?
There were about 372,400 jobs for Dermatologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 42,300 new jobs for Dermatologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 14,300 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Dermatologist are Arizona, Alaska, and Utah. Watch out if you plan on working in Connecticut, Rhode Island, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Dermatologist Salary
The salary for Dermatologists ranges between about $60,280 and $208,000 a year.

Dermatologists who work in Alaska, Arizona, or Colorado, make the highest salaries.
How much do Dermatologists make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $183,510 |
Alaska | $244,220 |
Arizona | $229,090 |
Arkansas | $165,290 |
California | $208,740 |
Colorado | $219,310 |
Connecticut | $221,870 |
Delaware | $216,600 |
District of Columbia | $182,910 |
Florida | $205,020 |
Georgia | $235,060 |
Hawaii | $228,470 |
Idaho | $241,670 |
Illinois | $183,780 |
Indiana | $237,470 |
Iowa | $219,300 |
Kansas | $191,430 |
Kentucky | $223,770 |
Louisiana | $183,920 |
Maine | $257,550 |
Maryland | $196,210 |
Massachusetts | $207,990 |
Michigan | $181,760 |
Minnesota | $245,040 |
Mississippi | $174,340 |
Missouri | $203,440 |
Montana | $247,260 |
Nebraska | $161,880 |
Nevada | $227,500 |
New Hampshire | $275,840 |
New Jersey | $208,820 |
New Mexico | $229,100 |
New York | $171,060 |
North Carolina | $198,040 |
North Dakota | $266,510 |
Ohio | $212,160 |
Oklahoma | $155,130 |
Oregon | $202,750 |
Pennsylvania | $195,810 |
Rhode Island | $209,580 |
South Carolina | $185,210 |
South Dakota | $227,710 |
Tennessee | $231,960 |
Texas | $199,370 |
Utah | $218,210 |
Vermont | $176,520 |
Virginia | $199,080 |
Washington | $239,080 |
West Virginia | $222,270 |
Wisconsin | $239,610 |
Wyoming | $234,610 |
What Tools & Technology do Dermatologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Dermatologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Word
- Email software
- Bizmatics PrognoCIS EMR
- Greenway Medical Technologies PrimeSUITE
- GalacTek ECLIPSE
- Automatic Data Processing AdvancedMD EHR
- Cerner PowerWorks Practice Management
- Epic Practice Management
- GE Healthcare Centricity Practice Solution
- CareCloud Central
- Benchmark Systems Benchmark Clinical EHR
- HealthFusion MediTouch
- Allscripts PM
- Kareo Practice Management
- McKesson Practice Plus
- Modernizing Medicine Practice Management
- NextGen Healthcare NextGen Practice Management
- simplifyMD
- Vitera Healthcare Solutions Vitera Intergy
- WRSHealth EMR
How to Become a Dermatologist
Are there Dermatologists education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Dermatologist?

Where Dermatologists Work

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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