How Much Do Dermatology Nurses Make?

Dermatology nurses average about $56,800 a year, or $27.31 an hour, according to ZipRecruiter data from November 2025. The role carries other advantages too. Many dermatology nurses work in private practice during regular business hours, and outside hospital burn units and plastic surgery departments the work rarely involves emergency response.

Average salary

The reported dermatology nurse average of $56,800 sits below the broader registered nurse median of $93,600 (BLS, May 2024), which reflects the outpatient, regular-hours nature of much dermatology work. By comparison, Payscale's November 2025 data puts pediatric nurses at an average of $72,173 and surgical nurses at $77,993. Pay within dermatology varies with geography, education, and setting: some California listings, such as in Berkeley, run more than 20 percent above the national average, and hospitals generally pay more than ambulatory services.

Highest-paying states

ZipRecruiter lists Washington, the District of Columbia, New York, Massachusetts, and Alaska among the top-paying locations for dermatology nurses. The BLS does not break out dermatology specifically, but ranks California, Hawaii, Oregon, Washington, and Massachusetts highest for registered nurses overall. Regional cost of living and local supply and demand drive much of the spread.

The BLS projects RN employment to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. Dermatology faces a physician shortfall, and nurses, especially dermatology nurse practitioners, can help fill the gap.

Four ways to increase your pay

Earn certifications. The certified dermatology nurse and dermatology certified nurse practitioner credentials, awarded through the Dermatology Nursing Certification Board, signal specialized knowledge, open more roles, and can raise pay. Some employers require them.

Advance your education. A bachelor's or master's degree supports advancement. Becoming a dermatology nurse practitioner can lead to roles averaging around $100,560, according to ZipRecruiter.

Move into administration. Nurse manager and leadership roles pay more. The BLS groups nurse leaders under medical and health services managers, who earn a median of $101,340. Leadership certification, graduate certificates, and continuing education all help.

Switch settings. Government agencies and hospitals pay more than many outpatient employers. Moving to a Veterans Affairs hospital or a major medical center, or to a higher-paying metro such as San Jose, San Francisco, or Oakland, can raise earnings.

Frequently asked questions

How do I become a dermatology nurse? Become an RN first. The fastest route is a nursing diploma or ADN, in as little as one year, though a specialty like dermatology may call for a BSN, which takes about four years.

What do dermatology nurses earn? In many states the average is about $56,000 or more. Certification and added education can push pay higher.

Where do they work? Private dermatology practices, hospital burn units, and cosmetic surgery offices, assisting with procedures and biopsies and caring for patients with skin cancer, acne, rashes, and infections.

Is the field in demand? Yes. A nationwide shortage of physicians and nurses extends to dermatology, and rising skin cancer rates and an aging population add to demand, especially for nurses skilled in electronic health records and primary care.