Dermatologists
Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. They work in medical offices, hospitals, and surgical centers, performing both medical treatments and surgical procedures. The role requires extensive medical training beyond general medicine to develop specialized expertise in dermatological care.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dermatologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week includes patient consultations to diagnose skin conditions, prescribe medications, and recommend treatments. Dermatologists perform procedures such as biopsies, removal of growths, and laser treatments. They review patient histories, examine skin samples under microscopes, and maintain detailed medical records. Many dermatologists also spend time staying current with medical literature and new treatment technologies relevant to their specialty.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRS. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy investigative work—diagnosing conditions by examining evidence and running tests—and practical, hands-on problem solving. You're drawn to precise technical work and direct patient care. Success in this field suits people who combine scientific curiosity with the ability to perform detailed, methodical procedures and maintain strong organizational skills.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- DERMATOLOGIST (Rolla) · Veterans Health Administration · Rolla, Missouri · $350000–$400000
- Physician (Dermatologist) · Veterans Health Administration · Louisville, Kentucky · $316000–$370000
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $373,470 | $625,790 | $728,190 | 260 |
| Washington | $132,020 | $526,170 | $548,050 | 170 |
| New Hampshire | $173,990 | $516,230 | $688,630 | 50 |
| Maryland | $287,180 | $442,210 | $442,240 | 120 |
| Delaware | $344,480 | $442,120 | $445,800 | 40 |
| Wisconsin | $300,520 | $440,710 | $581,080 | 160 |
| Illinois | $224,220 | $435,750 | $435,750 | — |
| Tennessee | $146,620 | $433,630 | $485,000 | 100 |
| Iowa | $233,890 | $424,970 | $467,400 | — |
| Arkansas | $239,390 | $422,060 | $482,790 | 40 |
| Nevada | $268,890 | $419,410 | $461,120 | — |
| Michigan | $207,000 | $414,910 | $472,440 | — |
All 26 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Board Certification in Dermatology — American Board of Physician Specialties
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) — National Association for Healthcare Quality
- Primary Certification in Dermatology — American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology
- Subspecialty Certification in Mohs Micrographic Surgery — American Osteopathic Board of Dermatology
- Internal Medicine and Dermatology — American Board of Internal Medicine
- Dermatopathology — American Board of Dermatology
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against dermatologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1213.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.