Dermatologist
$277,278
avg. annual salary
Veterinarian
pays more on average
Veterinarian
$293,700
avg. annual salary
Understanding the financial landscape of healthcare professions is vital for anyone considering a career in medicine. This guide compares the salaries of dermatologists and veterinarians, two distinct yet rewarding fields. While dermatologists focus on human skin issues and conditions, veterinarians specialize in animal health and welfare. Both professions require extensive education and training, and they offer unique career paths, work environments, and job satisfaction levels. In this comprehensive comparison, we'll delve into not only their salaries but also the benefits and overall job outlook in each field. This information can help you make an informed choice about which path aligns with your career aspirations.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (6%)
Salary Overview
As of 2025, the average salary for a dermatologist is approximately $400,000 annually, while veterinarians earn an average of $100,000. The salary range for dermatologists can vary from $300,000 to $600,000, depending on experience and location.
For veterinarians, salaries typically range from $80,000 to $130,000. Factors affecting these salaries include specialization, type of practice (private, clinic, or hospital), and geographical location.
Benefits and Perks
Both dermatologists and veterinarians receive various benefits that enhance their overall compensation. Dermatologists often enjoy higher bonuses, retirement plans, and vacation time.
They may also have access to advanced technology and continuous education opportunities. In contrast, veterinarians may have benefits like discounts on pet care, flexible hours, and opportunities for specialty certifications.
Job satisfaction can also play a significant role in the perceived value of these benefits.
Career Paths
Dermatologists primarily focus on diagnosing and treating skin-related conditions in humans. The path typically involves completing a medical degree, followed by a residency in dermatology.
Specialists can further enhance their careers by pursuing sub-specialties such as cosmetic dermatology or dermatopathology. Veterinarians, on the other hand, can specialize in various fields like surgery, internal medicine, or exotic animal care.
Their career trajectory usually includes obtaining a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and passing licensing exams. Both fields offer opportunities for advancement, but they appeal to different types of professionals.
Job Outlook and Demand
The demand for both dermatologists and veterinarians is expected to grow. Dermatologists are increasingly sought after due to rising skin conditions, while veterinarians are essential as pet ownership continues to increase.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth for veterinarians is projected at 20% over the next decade, significantly higher than the average for other professions. Dermatology also shows promising job outlooks, especially in urban areas where access to skin care specialists is limited.
Detailed Salary Comparison: Dermatologist vs Veterinarian
Overall pay: dermatologists typically earn far more. Median dermatology pay is around $420,000/year (common range $300,000–$700,000+).
Veterinarians average about $100,000/year (range $60,000–$250,000 for specialists).
Key factors that change pay:
- •Training and time to practice: dermatologists spend ~8 years post-college (4 years medical school + internship/residency), delaying peak earnings but enabling higher ceilings. Veterinarians finish vet school in ~6–8 years total, entering the workforce sooner.
- •Practice type and location: a private dermatologist in Los Angeles or New York can exceed $500,000/year; an academic dermatologist often earns $200,000–$300,000. A suburban small-animal vet commonly earns $80,000–$110,000; ER or specialty vets can reach $120,000–$250,000.
- •Ownership and bonuses: owning a clinic can boost net income 20%–40%. On-call or emergency shifts add 10%–30% to clinician vets.
Actionable takeaways: choose dermatology for higher lifetime earnings and willingness to extend training; choose veterinary medicine for earlier entry and diverse specialty paths with modest base pay.