Dermatology Nurse Career in Brief
A dermatology nurse works as part of a dermatology team. They perform patient intake, provide patient education on skincare and skin cancer prevention, and complete nursing tasks, like removing stitches after a procedure.
Key Responsibilities
- Screening patients for skin cancer
- Collecting skin tissue for biopsies
- Cleaning and dressing wounds or burns
- Educating patients on skincare and preventing postsurgical infection
- Applying skin peels and microdermabrasion
Career Traits
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Empathy
- Attention to detail
Certification Option
- Dermatology Nurse Certified and Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner
Where Do Dermatology Nurses Work?
Most dermatology nurses work in private offices, mainly dermatology or plastic surgeon practices. They can also work in hospital dermatology or burn units.
Why Become a Dermatology Nurse?
A dermatology nurse can help improve a patient's well-being by providing nursing care for patients with skin conditions. Also, some work settings can offer a more predictable work schedule than other nursing careers. See below for more pros and cons of becoming a dermatology nurse.
Advantages to Becoming a Dermatology Nurse
Disadvantages to Becoming a Dermatology Nurse
How to Become a Dermatology Nurse
Dermatology nurses must first become a registered nurse (RN), and then gain experience in a dermatology setting. While certification isn't legally required to practice as a dermatology nurse, many employers prefer or require it.
How Much Do Dermatology Nurses Make?
According to ZipRecruiter November 2025 figures, the average dermatology nurse salary of $56,800 is lower than the median nurse salary of $93,600. RNs, including dermatology nurses, are in demand everywhere, with a 5% growth rate over the next decade as per BLS data. As the population ages and skin cancer becomes more common among older adults, dermatology nurses remain in demand.
As with other nursing jobs, dermatology nurse salaries are highest in areas with a greater cost of living and demand. The top-paying states for dermatology nurses include California, Alaska, and Washington. Among the top-paying cities, seven are in California, according to ZipRecruiter.
Nurses interested in a higher income might consider becoming a dermatology nurse practitioner, as ZipRecruiter reports they earn an average $134,913 annually as of November 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dermatology Nurses
