How Much Do Dermatology Nurses Make?
Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?
Credit: Cravetiger / Moment / Getty ImagesHow much does a dermatology nurse make? On average, nearly $81,000 per year, according to ZipRecruiter data from June 2022. In addition to solid wages, dermatology nursing offers other advantages. Many dermatology nurses work in private practice during regular business hours.
Unless they staff hospital burn units or plastic surgery departments, dermatology nursing rarely requires emergency response efforts. Dermatology nurses can positively affect people’s self-esteem by helping them feel better about their appearance.
This guide details what you need to know about dermatology nurse salaries.
Average Salary for Dermatology Nurses
With an average dermatology nurse salary of $80,860 and an hourly rate of $39.00, these professionals tend to earn more than many other registered nursing specialty areas. Earnings for this specialization fall in line with the mean annual wages of $82,750 earned by all registered nurses nationwide.
Comparatively, June 2022 Payscale data indicates that pediatric nurses make an average annual salary of $60,680, while surgical nurses earn an average of $60,330.
Factors that influence dermatology nurse salaries include geography, education level, and practice settings. For example, job listings for dermatology nurses in California’s San Francisco Bay Area offer salaries that exceed the national average by more than 20%. Registered nursing salary data indicates that hospitals pay more than outpatient settings.
$80,860
Average Annual Salary
Source:ZipRecruiter, June 2022
$39.00
Average Annual Salary
Source:ZipRecruiter, June 2022
The Highest-Paying States for Dermatology Nursing
ZipRecruiter data shows that the highest dermatology nurse salaries are in Wyoming, Massachusetts, Montana, Arizona, and Hawaii. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) numbers do not specify salaries for dermatology nurses but list registered nurses in California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington DC, and Alaska as earning the highest average income. Salaries are affected by the regional cost of living, along with workforce supply and demand.
The BLS projects RN employment to grow by a rate of 9% from 2020-2030, matching the average growth rate for all occupations. Dermatology faces a physician shortfall, and nurses can help fill the gap — particularly dermatology nurse practitioners.
4 Ways to Increase Pay As a Dermatology Nurse
Dermatology nurses can increase their earnings by earning certifications, pursuing higher degrees, gaining administrative experience, and transitioning to higher-paying practice settings or locations.
- 1
Consider Pursuing Certifications
Certified dermatology nurse and dermatology certified nurse practitioner credentials signal that a professional has passed a Dermatology Nursing Certification Board examination and possesses specialized knowledge in dermatology. Certifications can lead to higher paychecks and more job opportunities — some employers may even require them.
- 2
Increase Education Level
A dermatology nurse who earns a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nursing can pursue career advancement and higher salaries. Spending additional time in school to become a dermatology nurse practitioner can lead to positions with an average annual salary of $100,560, according to ZipRecruiter.
- 3
Gain Experience in Administrative Roles
Like other registered nurses, dermatology nurses can pursue higher-paying administrative positions. Healthcare organizations may offer nurse manager or leadership development programs, or nurses can pursue nurse leadership certification, graduate certificates or degrees, and continuing education opportunities. Nurse leaders, which the BLS includes among medical and health services managers, earn a median annual income of $101,340.
- 4
Switch Practice Setting
Higher-paying industries for registered nurses include government agencies and hospitals. Earning more money may entail transitioning to a Veterans Affairs Administration Hospital, for example, or a major medical center. Locales with higher pay include cities in California, including San Jose, San Francisco, and Oakland, along with non-urban areas in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermatology Nurse Salaries
What is the quickest way to become a dermatology nurse?
Dermatology nurses are registered nurses. The quickest way to become an RN is to earn a nursing diploma or associate degree in nursing in as little as one year. A specialization like dermatology, however, may require a bachelor’s in nursing, which takes about four years.
Do dermatology nurses get paid well?
In many states, dermatology nurses earn an average annual salary of $80,000 or more. Specialties like dermatology tend to pay higher wages than general nursing positions, and certification or additional education can increase salaries.
What does a dermatology nurse do?
Dermatology nurses work in private dermatology practices, hospital burn units, and cosmetic surgery offices. They assist physicians and surgeons with procedures and biopsies, along with providing care for patients with issues like skin cancer, acne, and conditions like rashes and infections.
Are dermatology nurses in demand?
There is currently a nationwide shortage of physicians and nurses in all areas of healthcare, including dermatology. Dermatology nurses skilled in electronic health records and primary care are especially in demand. Increases in skin cancers and dermatologic needs of an aging population also increase the demand for these professionals.
