How Much Do Dermatologists Earn?

Explore how much dermatologists earn in the UK, what qualifications are needed, salary bands, pros and cons, and top employers in the industry.

How Much Do Dermatologists Earn? Training, Salary & Career Guide

Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating skin, hair and nail conditions—from eczema and acne to skin cancer and psoriasis. It’s a rewarding medical specialty with both NHS and private practice opportunities, but becoming a dermatologist takes years of training and commitment.

Here’s a complete guide to what dermatologists do, how to become one, what they earn, and where the best career opportunities are.

Job Description: What Does a Dermatologist Do?

Dermatologists treat conditions related to the skin, hair, scalp and nails. They manage both cosmetic and medical concerns, and many also perform surgical procedures, particularly for skin cancers and biopsies.

Responsibilities include:

  • Diagnosing and treating skin diseases like eczema, acne, rosacea and psoriasis

  • Performing skin checks and mole monitoring

  • Managing chronic skin conditions and allergies

  • Carrying out skin biopsies and excisions

  • Advising on skin cancer prevention and performing screenings

  • Prescribing medication (topical and oral)

  • Working with cosmetic dermatology (Botox, fillers, laser therapy)

  • Collaborating with other medical specialists (e.g. oncologists, plastic surgeons)

Dermatologists can work in NHS hospitals, private clinics, or a mix of both.

How Hard Is It to Become a Dermatologist?

It’s one of the most competitive medical specialties in the UK. The process involves a decade or more of study and training. You’ll need strong academic performance, excellent communication skills, and a high level of clinical and diagnostic precision.

The pathway is long and demanding, but the rewards—intellectually and financially—can be significant.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Attention to detail, especially in visual diagnosis

  • Excellent communication skills, to put patients at ease

  • Strong academic ability, especially in biology and medicine

  • Confidence in performing procedures

  • Patience and empathy, particularly for chronic or cosmetic concerns

  • Commitment to ongoing learning, as dermatology evolves constantly

Do You Need to Study? (Yes—and for a Long Time)

To become a dermatologist in the UK, the full training journey looks like this:

Step-by-step path:

  1. 5 years: Medical school (MBBS or equivalent)

  2. 2 years: Foundation training (FY1 and FY2)

  3. 2 years: Core medical training (IMT) or equivalent

  4. 4+ years: Dermatology specialty training

That’s at least 13 years of education and training from the start of medical school. You must also:

  • Pass Membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) exams

  • Apply for highly competitive dermatology ST3 posts

  • Complete portfolio assessments and final specialty exams

You’ll be working throughout most of this time as a paid doctor, but the workload and academic expectation remain high.

What Are the Levels and Specialisations?

Core levels:

  • Foundation Doctor (FY1–FY2)

  • Core Medical Trainee (IMT1–2)

  • Specialist Registrar (ST3–ST6)

  • Consultant Dermatologist

  • Private Dermatologist / Clinic Director

Subspecialties:

  • Medical dermatology – acne, psoriasis, eczema

  • Surgical dermatology – skin cancer removal, biopsies

  • Cosmetic dermatology – Botox, chemical peels, microneedling

  • Paediatric dermatology – skin conditions in children

  • Dermato-oncology – melanoma and skin cancer

  • Teledermatology – remote diagnosis and online consultations

What Experience Do You Need?

  • Clinical placements in dermatology during foundation or core training

  • Academic portfolio, including audits, publications, or presentations

  • Demonstrated interest through dermatology electives or taster days

  • Experience in skin surgery or skin cancer diagnosis is a plus

  • Research or audit projects relevant to dermatology enhance applications

Benefits of Being a Dermatologist

  • High earning potential, especially with private practice

  • Fewer night shifts or emergency calls than many other specialities

  • Wide career flexibility – NHS, private, cosmetic, teaching

  • Variety of cases – from routine care to complex disease management

  • Opportunity for surgical procedures without general surgery workload

  • Growing demand, especially for cosmetic and skin cancer services

  • Respected profession, both medically and publicly

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Extremely competitive – one of the hardest specialties to get into

  • Long training pathway – over a decade from medical school

  • Ongoing study and exams, including MRCP and specialty reviews

  • Emotional cases, especially when dealing with cancer

  • Repetitive or aesthetic pressure in cosmetic-focused work

  • Private practice start-up costs can be high

Dermatologist Salary UK

  • Foundation Doctor (FY1–2): £32,000 – £37,000

  • Specialty Trainee (ST3–6): £45,000 – £58,000

  • NHS Consultant: £88,000 – £120,000

  • Private Dermatologist: £120,000 – £250,000+

  • Cosmetic Dermatologist: £150,000 – £500,000+

Tax Example:

A consultant dermatologist earning £95,000 would pay:

  • Income Tax: approx. £21,432

  • National Insurance: approx. £5,732

  • Take-home pay: approx. £67,800/year or £1,300/week

Private earnings vary but are often higher—especially in cosmetic and high-net-worth practices.

What Factors Affect Dermatologist Salary?

  • NHS vs private practice – Private work earns significantly more

  • Location – London and major cities offer higher earnings

  • Specialisation – Cosmetic dermatology pays more than general

  • Reputation and branding – Especially in aesthetics

  • Experience and certifications – Fellowship-trained specialists can command higher fees

  • Clinic ownership – Running your own practice adds business profit

What’s the Future for Dermatologists?

Demand is high and rising due to:

  • Increased skin cancer rates

  • Aging population and chronic skin conditions

  • Rising demand for cosmetic dermatology

  • Growth of telemedicine and AI skin analysis tools

  • Cross-specialty collaboration (e.g. dermatology + oncology)

While some diagnostics may shift towards AI, skilled dermatologists will always be needed for treatment, complex care and surgery.

Best Companies and Clinics to Work For

NHS Trusts (for public roles):

  • Barts Health NHS Trust

  • Guys and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust

  • Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

  • Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

Private Clinics:

  • The Harley Street Dermatology Clinic

  • Dermatology Consulting

  • Sk:n Clinics

  • The Cadogan Clinic

  • London Skin and Hair Clinic

  • The Dermatology Partnership

Some dermatologists also work independently, offering private clinics or online services through Doctify, Top Doctors, or private hospital networks.

Final Thought

Dermatology is a challenging but rewarding medical specialty. It combines visual diagnosis, clinical problem-solving, and the potential for high earnings—especially in private or cosmetic practice. The path is long and competitive, but for those passionate about skin health, it offers one of the most balanced and lucrative careers in modern medicine.