What’s the difference between a cosmetic dermatologist and a plastic surgeon? Do the top people on the plastic surgeons side make more than the top cosmetic dermatologist? And where in California do they take home the most money? ( EXAMPLE: you make 500k a year but from taxes and stuff only take home 300k)
You asked the the question about OB/GYN, dermatopath, and cosmetic dermatologist, yes? You picked an answer too quickly for me to get a correct answer in. This was my answer.
OB/GYN will usually be the lowest paid, unless you are able to get a niche practice of some sort or subspecialize in a high paying field. A specialized surgeon can make GOBS of money.
The others will entirely depend on where you end up.
“Cosmetic Dermatologist” isn’t a residency or specialty. You will do residency as a Derm and then either find a practice that does heavy cosmetics or create your own practice, heavily recruiting cosmetics only. I’ll tell you right now that in many areas, the only kind of “cosmetic dermatology” that’s doing well are fillers, lasers, and Botox. Many Estheticians and nurses can do the latter two, leaving you twiddling your thumbs until you get your practice built up for fillers and similar things.
In response to the answer you picked, it was mistaken. I have a Dermatopath friend who makes close to 7 figures a year, but he runs his own lab and is one of the best in the field. It’s a HUGE money making industry if you get into the right place. A specialized pathologist can easily make $400k/year with potential for growth.
Now, to your question. A plastic surgeon is trained to do fully invasive surgeries under general anesthesia. They can also be trained to do reconstruction (another HUGE industry). A dermatologist works on the skin. There are some Derms who got secondary training and perform nose jobs and cheek implants, but personally, I would prefer a plastics person who trained for 7 years rather than a guy who took a couple afternoon courses.
No one can guarantee you a number. You might pay fewer taxes in WA or TX, but the reimbursement may be lower, the demand lower, or the situation not ideal. One dermatologist might struggle to make $200k a year in CA and another in Oregon might be making $700k. Work for kaiser, and you’ll make less, but the benefits are amazing. Open your own practice and you may fail miserably or you might be crazy successful.
In all honesty, none of this should be a huge issue for you right now. You need to get into med school, into a residency, and then find a style of practice that suits you. Comparing apples to oranges right now, especially since you seem HEAVILY focused on money, is pretty worthless. One pathologist might make $200k and a GYN specialized surgeon might make $900k. Worry more about education right now, then worry about what interests you. Earnings should always be a consideration, but there isn’t a magic formula or concrete answer to the “who earns the most” and it shouldn’t be a major deciding factor since all specialties have the potential to be high earners if you play your cards right.
Most people report the most happiness at an income level of $60k. Making more than this does not necessarily increase happiness. Between this, and the fact that medical school is extremely challenging, you would be best to focus on which medical specialty is most interesting and suits you best.