Dermatologist
$449,500
avg. annual salary
Anesthesiologist
pays more on average
Anesthesiologist
$452,537
avg. annual salary
Choosing between a career as a dermatologist or anesthesiologist can significantly impact not only your job satisfaction but also your financial future. Both professions are essential in the medical field, yet they differ in salary, responsibilities, and work environments. Dermatologists focus on skin health, diagnosing and treating various skin conditions, while anesthesiologists are responsible for pain management and anesthesia during surgeries. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed comparison of salaries, benefits, and career paths for both specialties, enabling you to make a more informed decision. Whether you are just starting in medical school or considering a career shift, understanding these factors can guide you toward the right path.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (1%)
Salary Overview
According to recent data, the average salary for dermatologists is $420,000 per year, whereas anesthesiologists earn an average of $450,000 annually. Despite this difference, both specialties offer lucrative pay, often coupled with excellent job security.
Factors like location, years of experience, and practice setting can significantly influence income in both fields.
Benefits of Being a Dermatologist
Dermatologists typically enjoy a balanced work-life schedule due to fewer emergency calls compared to anesthesiologists. They often maintain regular office hours, which allows for better family time and personal pursuits.
Additionally, dermatologists can enhance their income potential through cosmetic procedures, providing diverse revenue streams.
Benefits of Being an Anesthesiologist
Anesthesiologists have a crucial role in surgeries, and their expertise is vital for patient safety. This demand translates to higher salaries and excellent job security.
They also have opportunities for specialization, which can lead to higher pay. Furthermore, anesthesiologists often work in various settings, including surgeries, pain management clinics, and critical care units, making their work varied and engaging.
Career Paths and Opportunities
Both dermatology and anesthesiology offer various career paths. Dermatologists may focus on medical dermatology, surgical dermatology, or cosmetic dermatology, each with unique opportunities.
Anesthesiologists often have paths in various types of anesthesia, including general, regional, and sedation anesthesia, as well as opportunities in pain management and critical care.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for both fields remains positive. As the population ages and surgical procedures increase, the demand for anesthesiologists is projected to grow by 17% over the next decade.
Similarly, dermatologists will see a steady increase in demand due to the rising prevalence of skin conditions and cosmetic procedures, projecting a solid 14% growth in job opportunities.
Detailed Salary Comparison: Dermatologist vs Anesthesiologist
Base salary ranges (U. S.
- •Dermatologist: $300,000–$450,000 annually; typical median ~ $375,000.
- •Anesthesiologist: $350,000–$500,000 annually; typical median ~ $420,000.
Hourly and supplemental income:
- •Dermatologists: clinic hours often yield $150–$250/hour. Adding cosmetic work (Botox, fillers, lasers) can increase income by $50,000–$200,000/year depending on practice volume.
- •Anesthesiologists: clinical rate often $200–$300/hour. Locum tenens shifts can pay 1.2–1.5× normal rates; adding pain management or critical-care consults can add $20,000–$60,000/year.
Work-life tradeoffs: dermatologists typically work 40–50 hrs/week with fewer nights; anesthesiologists average 50–60 hrs/week with regular OR schedules and on-call shifts.
Takeaway: anesthesiologists generally earn more on average, but dermatologists can match or exceed income through cosmetics or private practice.
Key Factors That Affect Earnings
- •Location: State and metro areas change pay by 10–40%. Example: urban California or New York can pay 15–30% above the national median.
- •Practice setting: Private practice dermatologists may earn 20–40% more than academic dermatologists. Hospital-employed anesthesiologists often have stable salaries plus call pay; private anesthesiology groups may offer higher production bonuses.
- •Subspecialty & procedures: Cosmetic dermatology, Mohs surgery, and dermatologic surgery increase revenue. For anesthesiology, pain medicine, pediatrics, or cardiac/trauma service lines pay premiums.
- •Shift patterns & availability: Locum tenens or extra shifts raise annual income by 10–50% but increase hours.
- •Student debt & tax factors: Higher income brackets face larger tax liabilities; debt repayment plans can change take-home pay by $10,000–$30,000/year.
Actionable takeaway: quantify local pay ranges and model 3-year income scenarios including bonuses and extra shifts before choosing a path.