Salary

• Dermatologists and other specialty physicians have an earning potential among the highest of all professions according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2009, specialty physicians earned a median salary of $166,400 per year, or more than $80 per hour. This figure represents the salary of all special medical professionals, including surgeons and other specialists. The lowest 10 percent of earners within this field earned $51,800, while the top 90 percent averaged more than $166,400, with much variation in the top range from bonuses and profit sharing. According to Payscale.com, dermatologists earned $77,212 to $345,647 per year as of May 2011. These wages represent total earnings, including base salary, bonuses and profit sharing.
  
  

Education and Training

• While specialty medical professionals enjoy sky-high earning potential, they also spend years in school to obtain the skills needed to safely treat patients. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, dermatologists spend an average of four years in an undergraduate program, as well as four years in medical school. The competition for these medical programs is highly competitive, and the education itself quite demanding. After these eight years of education, many candidates spend another three to eight years in internships or residency programs before they can practice on their own.
  
  

Job Outlook

• The Occupational Information Network estimates that the specialty medical field will grow by 20 percent between 2008 and 2018. This represents a much faster growth rate than the industry average, which means that dermatologists enjoy solid job prospects during this period. Rural and low-income areas are expected to experience the highest increase in demand for specialty medical care.
  
  

Where to Find Work

• Approximately 78 percent of dermatologists are employed in health care facilities, while 12 percent are self-employed. On average, self-employed individuals earn more than salaried workers do. Dermatologists can also increase earnings based on years of experience, skill, reputation or hours worked, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.