Dermatologists
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical
Complete skin examinations are used to diagnose and treat conditions ranging from acne, dandruff, athlete's foot, moles, and psoriasis to pigmented lesions and melanoma. Incisional biopsies help confirm melanoma; other skin surgery is done to improve appearance, catch disease early, or control problems such as skin cancer. Histories are recorded, and further tests are recommended based on what the exam shows. Patients are counseled on annual screenings, sun protection, skin cancer awareness, and self-exams of skin and lymph nodes. Suits people who like visual diagnosis, careful hands-on procedures, and explaining prevention in specific, everyday terms.
Typical education: Doctoral Degree (Ph.D., Ed.D.)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$328'730
Median Wage Market Position
$328'730
What you might do
- Examine the skin, hair, and nails in full
- Diagnose and treat acne, psoriasis, moles, and skin cancer
- Perform skin surgery to treat or confirm disease
- Take biopsies when melanoma is a concern
- Counsel patients on sun protection and yearly screenings
- Recommend tests based on history and exam findings
Skills that matter
- Complete skin, hair, and nail exams
- Melanoma diagnosis from pigmented lesions
- Incisional biopsies and skin surgery
- Sun-protection and screening counseling
- Care for acne, psoriasis, and moles
- Test choices based on history and exam
AI & the future of this role
Skin-image triage and pattern recognition could take over more routine screening, while biopsies, surgeries, and nuanced treatment choices still depend on clinical judgment. In-person trust and procedural work help cushion employment prospects relative to purely diagnostic roles.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details