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The differences between dermatologists and plastic surgeons can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a dermatologist, becoming a plastic surgeon takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a dermatologist has an average salary of $407,715, which is higher than the $172,467 average annual salary of a plastic surgeon.
The top three skills for a dermatologist include patients, mohs and patient care. The most important skills for a plastic surgeon are patients, patient care, and hand surgery.
| Dermatologist | Plastic Surgeon | |
| Yearly salary | $407,715 | $172,467 |
| Hourly rate | $196.02 | $82.92 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 1,834 | 3,906 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Average age | 48 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A dermatologist is a physician with expertise in diagnosing and treating skin, nail, and hair problems such as rashes and acne. Their responsibilities include conducting initial assessments and examinations, offering consultations and advice, studying a patient's medical histories, and performing non-invasive procedures as needed. They may also prescribe medication and various services, referring patients to other specialists as necessary. Furthermore, as a dermatologist, it is essential to discuss skin conditions and the extent of treatments to patients, helping them learn different care procedures.
Plastic surgeons must have skills in hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, organization, communication, and teamwork. This career also requires a bachelor's degree in a premedical major and completion of a four-year M.D. and a surgical residency. Those who choose this career path perform reconstructive plastic surgery in order to restore form and function following illness or trauma and/or perform cosmetic surgery for simple alteration of appearance.
Dermatologists and plastic surgeons have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Dermatologist | Plastic Surgeon | |
| Average salary | $407,715 | $172,467 |
| Salary range | Between $202,000 And $820,000 | Between $87,000 And $339,000 |
| Highest paying City | Grand Forks, ND | Rockville Centre, NY |
| Highest paying state | North Dakota | Maine |
| Best paying company | Allina Health | MaineGeneral Health |
| Best paying industry | Pharmaceutical | Professional |
There are a few differences between a dermatologist and a plastic surgeon in terms of educational background:
| Dermatologist | Plastic Surgeon | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 33% | Bachelor's Degree, 34% |
| Most common major | Business | Nursing |
| Most common college | University of Virginia | Case Western Reserve University |
Here are the differences between dermatologists' and plastic surgeons' demographics:
| Dermatologist | Plastic Surgeon | |
| Average age | 48 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 14.5% Female, 85.5% | Male, 23.6% Female, 76.4% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 10.0% Asian, 18.4% White, 61.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 1.8% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 5.0% Asian, 12.7% White, 76.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 12% |