10 Careers in Dermatology (With Salary and Job Descriptions)

Updated April 18, 2024

Dermatology describes a branch of medicine that focuses on the treatment of skin disorders. This field offers a wide range of career opportunities, varying in salary, educational requirements, and focuses within the topic of dermatology. If you're interested in skincare and medical professions, you might enjoy a career in the dermatology field. In this article, we explain what dermatology is and share a list of 10 careers in dermatology, with a short list of the benefits you may experience by pursuing a career in this field.

What are careers in dermatology?

Careers in dermatology describe professions within the field of dermatology and skincare. Dermatology is a branch of medicine that involves the study and diagnosis of normal skin and skin disorders. Careers in this field have both medical and surgical aspects. Dermatology professionals may study skin diseases or conditions like cancer or cosmetic and aging conditions of a patient's skin, hair and nails. Some subspecialties in the dermatology field include:

dermatopathology
immunodermatology
Mohs surgery
pediatric dermatology
aesthetic dermatology

10 dermatology careers

If you're interested in skincare and other dermatology topics, you might consider pursuing one of these careers:

1. Skincare specialist

National average salary: $54,718 per yearPrimary duties: A skin care specialist is a professional who works in salons, spas, and medical offices. Thes professionals perform tasks to improve the condition and appearance of a patient's skin. Skincare specialists typically perform treatments for cosmetic purposes, rather than a medical condition. They may clean skin, apply makeup, use wax and other methods to remove unwanted hair, and refer clients to a dermatologist if needed.Related: A Definitive Guide to Dermatologist vs. Esthetician

2. Dermatology assistant

National average salary: $39,692 per yearPrimary duties: Also known as dermatologist technicians, dermatologist assistants are physician assistants who diagnose and treat skin conditions in dermatology patients. They collect patient information and vital signs, prepare rooms and patients for procedures and consultations, ensure the accuracy of medical records and coordinate payments with the billing and insurance department. Dermatologist assistants also help dermatologists with procedures like chemical peels and dermabrasion.Related: How to Become a Dermatologist Assistant (A Complete Guide)

3. Receptionist

National average salary: $41,751 per yearPrimary duties: Receptionist work in the front offices of medical offices. These professionals interact with patients to help schedule appointments, answer questions, and coordinate with insurance providers. Receptionists also keep detailed records of patient visits to help the medical professionals within the office organize patient files. Medical receptionists can work in various different health care environments. Dermatologist receptionists may work more regular hours than others and may be able to answer basic questions regarding skin care treatments for patients.

4. Sales representative

National average salary: $59,408 per yearPrimary duties: A dermatology sales representative sells skincare products based on their client's needs. They learn about their client's skincare problems to provide them with the best skincare solutions. Dermatology sales representatives sell within a designated geographic territory or based on client leads. They learn about pharmaceutical products and understand unique skin needs. They also establish relationships with healthcare and cosmetic professionals and buyers. In addition, dermatology sales representatives maintain a thorough understanding of the market and industry competitors.

5. Laser technician

National average salary: $57,855 per yearPrimary duties: Laser technicians are professionals who have training in using laser technology for medical and cosmetic surgeries. Laser surgery is minimally invasive and these professionals can often complete the procedure at a quicker rate than regular surgery. These professionals work in medical clinics and mainly focus on cosmetic procedures. Their main responsibilities can include performing laser surgeries to remove hair, tattoos, wrinkles, freckles, and acne. They also may perform consultations and recommend a dermatologist if they feel unable to treat a patient.

6. Registered nurse

National average salary: $74,779 per yearPrimary duties: Dermatology nurses are a type of registered nurse that treat and care for patients with skin conditions like wounds, diseases and injuries. They work alongside a medical team and help with a wide variety of procedures, including tattoo removal and laser treatments. Dermatology nurses also take vital signs, record a patient's medical history and collect lab specimens and results. They work in various settings, including hospitals, private practice offices and infusion centers.Related: 16 of the Best Positions in Nursing (With Duties and Salary)

7. Telemedicine physician

National average salary: $194,263 per yearPrimary duties: A telemedicine physician is a medical professional who consults with patients and other physicians using virtual methods, such as video or phone calls. These professionals can specialize in dermatology and help identify skin conditions. Their primary duties include reviewing patient messages, communicating with patients and doctors, creating treatment plans, and conducting virtual consultations.

8. Dermatologist

National average salary: $312,850 per yearPrimary duties: Dermatologists treat conditions involving a patient's skin, hair and nails. They consult with patients regarding their skin-related concerns and ailments through medical or surgical treatments. Dermatologists perform dermatological screenings and diagnostic tests and procedures, educate patients on better skincare habits and prescribe medication. Some procedures they perform include cosmetic filler injections, laser therapy, tattoo removal, hair removal and radiation therapy.Related: How Much Does a Dermatologist Make in Canada? (With FAQs)

9. Surgeon

National average salary: $247,034 per yearPrimary duties: A surgery specialty within dermatology is Mohs surgery. Mohs surgeons treat patients diagnosed with skin cancer through a surgery known as Mohs surgery. During surgery, Mohs surgeons remove thin pieces of skin and examine them under a microscope to verify that they removed all of the cancer cells. After completing their surgical residency, some dermatologists receive advanced training in Mohs surgery or complete a Mohs surgery fellowship to pursue this specialty.Related: How to Become a Surgeon (With Frequently Asked Questions)

10. Oncologist

National average salary: $331,826 per yearPrimary duties: An oncologist is a doctor that specializes in cancer treatment and research. Oncologists who have a special interest and focus on dermatology are dermatological oncologists. These professionals treat patients with various forms of skin cancer. Their primary duties include performing consultations, studying skin samples, and creating treatment plans. These professionals may also complete minor surgeries for patients with small skin cancer tags.

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Benefits of pursuing a dermatology career

A dermatology career provides benefits to your personal life and professional career. Understanding these benefits can help you determine whether it's worthwhile to pursue a job in this field. Here are some of the benefits of a dermatology career:

Career variety

The dermatology field includes surgical, medical and cosmetic professions at different experience levels. Having this variety ensures you find a position that best suits your skill level and overall interest in the field. The variety of careers also gives you the opportunity to advance in this field. For example, if you're a dermatology nurse, you can advance into a dermatologist position, or you could pursue another area of dermatology altogether.

Work-life balance

Unlike other medical careers, a job in dermatology provides you with a regular work schedule. While physicians and other healthcare professionals face long hours, dermatologists and other professionals in this field see patients for 30-40 hours each week. A regular work schedule helps you balance your work schedule and personal life with ease. It also allows for greater flexibility, which can lead to job satisfaction.Related: A Helpful Guide to Having a Great Work-Life Balance

Help others

As a professional within the dermatology field, you can help others reach their skincare goals and maintain healthy hair, nails, and skin. Dermatologists work with a wide demographic of patients, so you can have the opportunity to meet people from a variety of backgrounds. Helping a patient or client improve the condition of their skin can have a direct impact on their quality of life, so it may be rewarding for you to help others in this way.Related: How To Become a Tattoo Artist in 11 Essential StepsSalary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries‌ ‌may‌ ‌‌vary‌‌ ‌depending‌ ‌on‌ ‌the‌ ‌hiring‌ ‌organization‌ ‌and‌ ‌a‌ ‌candidate's‌ ‌experience,‌ ‌academic‌ background‌, ‌and‌ ‌location.‌