Dermatologist

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Work Tasks

DERMATOLOGISTS diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases or other conditions of the skin. They treat all types of skin problems, such as infections, skin cancer, acne, rosacea, and warts. Dermatologists examine patients, diagnose skin ailments, and prescribe medications. They remove cancerous or unhealthy lesions from the skin, give Botox injections, collagen injections, chemical peelings, and other treatments to improve skin tone. Dermatoligists advise and counsel patients on good health practices, such as diet, hygiene, and preventive health care.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $235,500 average per year ($113.25 per hour)
• A large occupation (293,700 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.2% per year)

Entry Requirements

Newly qualified DERMATOLOGISTS join associate or group practices, or open their own offices. Being successful in their own practice and acquiring more patients is a form of advancement.

Some dermatologists become instructors in medical schools, go into research, or become administrators.