There are many factors that can affect dermatology salary. Among them are job titles, as a person could work in dermatology as a nurse, physician assistant, or doctor, and the professional's level of training. The geographic region in which a person works may make a difference as well. Likewise, a person's salary may be influenced by the specialty on which he focuses as well as whether he has chosen to open a private practice or to work for an employer.
A person's specific job is one of the main factors that can influence his dermatology salary. In general, nurses and physician assistants who work in dermatology earn less than doctors in this field. This typically is due to the fact that doctors spend more time on education and training. Interestingly, however, a nurse's or physician assistant's salary may sometimes relate to that of the doctor for which he works; in some cases, an individual who works for a high-paid dermatologist may sometimes earn a higher salary as well.
Education usually plays a major role in dermatology salary. For starters, doctors typically earn more than nurses and other dermatology workers because they have more education and training. Education and training can even vary among doctors, however. For example, some dermatologists may spend more than the required amount of time on residencies, fellowships, and other types of specialized training. Often, this additional training translates into higher earnings.
Geography can sometimes influence dermatology salary as well, and dermatology professionals in some countries may earn more than those in other countries. In fact, salary discrepancies sometimes exist from one region to another within the same country. Often, dermatologists and the workers who assist them earn more in wealthy areas than they do in poorer regions of a country. Additionally, dermatology salaries may be influenced by the demand for this type of care. In areas in which the demand for quality skin care is high, dermatology professionals may enjoy higher salaries.
The facility in which a person works can also affect the salary he earns. Each hospital, urgent-care facility, university, or college may differ in the amount of money it pays its health care workers. Likewise, money earned working for an employer may differ dramatically from the earnings one might expect in a private practice. Usually, private practice dermatologists earn more than those who work as employees.
The specialty in which a dermatologist works may also influence the salary he earns. For example, doctors who perform in-demand cosmetic procedures may earn more than others. Doctors who perform in-demand acne treatments may earn more as well.