Choosing the right state to practice dermatology can impact career satisfaction, earning potential, and work-life balance. Whether you're an early-career dermatologist seeking to build a patient base or an experienced provider looking to relocate, location matters.

The following list highlights the top 10 states that offer the most favorable conditions for dermatologists—blending salary potential, growth opportunities, and supportive health care infrastructure.

1. Minnesota – Highest average salary (~$582K), strong integrated systems, consistent demand.

2. Florida – Largest employment base and high job density, translating to abundant openings.

3. Wisconsin – Top‑paying with a favorable cost‑to‑income ratio (below‑average prices).

4. Idaho – Top‑tier pay (~$492K) with low living costs that stretch earnings.

5. Pennsylvania – Top‑paying and below‑average statewide prices.

6. Texas – Health care market with projected dermatology job growth of about 15% through 2032.

7. New York – High demand and competitive pay (~$412K), extensive urban patient populations.

8. Massachusetts – High concentration of positions and robust academic medical centers.

9. Montana – Higher concentration of dermatologists per capita in key cities, strong pay ($376K), low cost of living.

10. Arizona – Statewide compensation is competitive (median ~$389K), with growing Sun Belt practice opportunities.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clarion Partners, Indeed, LivingCost, O’Net OnLine, Salary Expert, SovDoc, Springer Nature Link, Wikipedia, ZipRecruiter