How to become a Dermatologist

Provides diagnostic, treatment and preventative medical services related to disorders of the human skin.

Main tasks

• Examines patients to diagnose and treat skin disorders
• Prescribes and administers medications to treat and prevent skin conditions
• Reviews referrals and reports on patients' general physical condition, reactions to medications, and medical histories
• Performs surgical procedures such as biopsies, removal of lesions, and laser or light therapy
• Provides advice and education to patients regarding skin care and managing conditions
• Provides specialist advice to other Medical Practitioners or specialists, and refers patients where necessary

Ways in

• University: Medicine & Dentistry degrees, Offered by 34 universities in Australia
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $260,676 a year
• About 21,700 people work in this job group now, and about 28,900 are projected by 2035. (+33%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Radiation Oncologist
• Emergency Medicine Specialist
• Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
• Ophthalmologist
• Pathologist
• Radiologist

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Dermatologist?

Ways in include: Medicine & Dentistry degrees.

How much does a Dermatologist earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $260,676 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Dermatologist a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 33% by 2035, from about 21,700 to about 28,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Dermatologist?

Usually. 92% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Will AI change the work of a Dermatologist?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04