Healthcare Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

Dermatologist Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median dermatologist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $539,000 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median and 5.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$539,000
vs State Avg
+$28,000
vs National
+$189,000
Cost of Living
146%

Dermatologist Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median dermatologist salary of $539,000, which is $28,000 above the California state average of $511,000. Compared to the national median of $350,000, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $539,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $369,178. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for dermatologists in Los Angeles spans from $254,100 at the 10th percentile to $770,000 at the 90th percentile — a $515,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $261,800, while senior dermatologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $739,200. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Dermatologist Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level dermatologist earns around $261,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $739,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$261,800
+$91,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$546,700
+$191,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$739,200
+$259,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $254,100
25th Percentile $385,000
Median (50th) $539,000
75th Percentile $646,800
90th Percentile $770,000

Dermatologist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$665,000
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$616,000
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$525,000
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$441,000
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Dermatologist in Los Angeles

Education

Most dermatologist positions require a doctoral degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

DermatologySkin BiopsyCosmetic ProceduresPathologyPatient EducationDiagnosis

Job Outlook

Nationally, dermatologist employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Dermatologist Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open dermatologist positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Dermatologist Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a Dermatologist make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median dermatologist salary in Los Angeles, California is $539,000 per year, which is 54.0% above the national median of $350,000. Salaries range from $254,100 (10th percentile) to $770,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Dermatologist make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $539,000, a dermatologist in Los Angeles earns approximately $259 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for dermatologist pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median dermatologist salary of $539,000 is 5.5% above the California state average of $511,000. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a dermatologist salary of $539,000 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a dermatologist in Los Angeles? ▼
Most dermatologist positions in Los Angeles require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Dermatology, Skin Biopsy, Cosmetic Procedures, Pathology. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.