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Dermatology Locum Compensation Benchmarks

Based on BLS OEWS public data and CMS geographic adjustment factors, processed through a locum-adjusted model, calibrated and validated against publicly posted rates and observations.

Dermatology — National Benchmark

Locum market rates, 2026.

P25
$281/hr
Median
$335/hr
P75
$398/hr
P90
$462/hr

Regional Estimates

Dermatology hourly rate benchmarks by region and setting
RegionSettingP25MedianP75
NortheastUrban Hospital$266/hr$317/hr$377/hr
Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH$231/hr$276/hr$328/hr
MidwestUrban Hospital$290/hr$345/hr$410/hr
Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH$252/hr$300/hr$357/hr
SouthUrban Hospital$318/hr$379/hr$451/hr
Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH$277/hr$330/hr$392/hr
SoutheastUrban Hospital$282/hr$336/hr$399/hr
Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH$245/hr$292/hr$348/hr
WestUrban Hospital$306/hr$364/hr$433/hr
Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH$266/hr$317/hr$376/hr
SouthwestUrban Hospital$341/hr$407/hr$483/hr
Rural Critical Access Rural / CAH$297/hr$354/hr$420/hr
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Market Overview

Dermatology is one of the highest-demand, highest-rate locum specialties due to a persistent national shortage relative to population need. Many rural counties have no dermatologist within 100 miles. Mohs surgery capability commands a substantial premium. Private practice dermatology locums differ structurally from hospital-based coverage.

  • One of the highest-rate outpatient locum specialties — persistent national shortage relative to population need
  • Mohs surgery fellowship training commands 30–50% above general dermatology rates
  • Many rural counties have no dermatologist within 100 miles — acute geographic access gap
  • Private practice locum structure differs from hospital-based coverage — understand billing and production model
Get the full Dermatology negotiation toolkit — 50-state rate tables, word-for-word recruiter scripts, and contract red flag checklist.
Get the Toolkit — $99 →

Key Leverage Points

Urban Hospital
  • Mohs surgery fellowship training commands 30–50% above general dermatology rates
  • Dermoscopy expertise and teledermatology capability expand coverage options
  • Pediatric dermatology experience is in high demand at children's hospitals and community sites
  • Clinical trial experience opens academic site locum opportunities at higher rates
Rural Critical Access
  • Rural dermatology is a near-monopoly — set your rate with confidence
  • Teledermatology hybrid arrangements (remote reads + quarterly in-person) are the new standard
  • Procedural breadth (biopsies, cryotherapy, excisions) is required at rural sites
  • Long-term quarterly return arrangements command a premium over one-off visits

Contract Review Checklist

Items to review carefully before signing

  • Patient volume per day not capped — 40+ patient days are standard but 60+ is burnout territory
  • Mohs rate not differentiated from general derm rate — surgical cases should carry a separate rate
  • Pathology reads responsibility not clarified — confirm who reads the dermpath
  • Cosmetic procedures excluded or separately contracted — clarify scope before starting
Dermatology Negotiation Toolkit
Word-for-word scripts for every recruiter objection, 50-state rate tables at P25/50/75/90, leverage points by credential and shift type, and a contract red flag checklist. $99 one-time.
Get the Toolkit — $99 →