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The differences between ophthalmologists and dermatologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become an ophthalmologist, becoming a dermatologist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a dermatologist has an average salary of $407,715, which is higher than the $234,030 average annual salary of an ophthalmologist.
The top three skills for an ophthalmologist include patients, ophthalmology and surgery. The most important skills for a dermatologist are patients, mohs, and patient care.
| Ophthalmologist | Dermatologist | |
| Yearly salary | $234,030 | $407,715 |
| Hourly rate | $112.51 | $196.02 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 22,043 | 1,834 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 30% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 4 |
An ophthalmologist is an eye physician specializing in the care and treatment of eyes and vision. Ophthalmologists are trained and licensed to practice medicine and surgery of the eye and treat all eye diseases. Ophthalmologists also engage in scientific research work to find out causes of eye diseases and vision disorders and come up with cures for these eye problems. The main role of this eye physician is to first preserve and improve a patient's vision.
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.
Ophthalmologists and dermatologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Ophthalmologist | Dermatologist | |
| Average salary | $234,030 | $407,715 |
| Salary range | Between $129,000 And $423,000 | Between $202,000 And $820,000 |
| Highest paying City | Anchorage, AK | Grand Forks, ND |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | North Dakota |
| Best paying company | Mayo Clinic | Allina Health |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Pharmaceutical |
There are a few differences between an ophthalmologist and a dermatologist in terms of educational background:
| Ophthalmologist | Dermatologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 30% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Medicine | Business |
| Most common college | University of Virginia | University of Virginia |
Here are the differences between ophthalmologists' and dermatologists' demographics:
| Ophthalmologist | Dermatologist | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 22.7% Female, 77.3% | Male, 14.5% Female, 85.5% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.6% White, 62.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 13% | 13% |