Looking for freelance or contract work as a dermatologist in New York? Whether you want to supplement your income or transition to independent practice, New York offers several high-paying options. Here's how the top opportunities compare.
Dermatologists serve as expert witnesses by reviewing cases, providing testimony on standard of care in dermatology malpractice suits, or consulting on medical-legal matters involving skin conditions. Work includes report writing, depositions, and court appearances based on expertise in diagnosis and treatment. Assignments arise from attorney requests for impartial opinions.
Malpractice Insurance: No
New York notes: NYC attorneys premium for local board-certified experts; NY med-mal cases among highest-value nationally; Trial testimony $550-800/hr; Deposition $450-650/hr; File review $400-550/hr; NYC high-profile litigation premium
Typical start timeline: 1-4 weeks
Dermatologists advise pharmaceutical companies, device manufacturers, or healthcare organizations on product development, clinical trials, or treatment guidelines. Participation in advisory boards involves strategic discussions, protocol reviews, and feedback on dermatology innovations. Sessions are often short-term and compensated per meeting.
Malpractice Insurance: No
New York notes: NYC pharma HQ concentration (Pfizer, Bristol Myers, etc.) drives high volume; Academic KOLs from NYU/Columbia/Cornell command premium; Pharma advisory boards $400-650/hr; Expert networks $325-500/hr; KOL engagements $600-1000+/hr
Typical start timeline: 4-8 weeks
Dermatologists create educational content, journal articles, CME materials, or marketing pieces on skin health topics. Freelance projects include ghostwriting research papers, developing guidelines, or producing patient-facing content for websites and pharma. Work emphasizes evidence-based accuracy and clear communication.
Malpractice Insurance: No
New York notes: NYC publishing/media hub increases opportunities; Academic affiliations boost rates; CME content $200-400/hr (physician-authored); Peer review journal articles $150-300/hr; Patient education $100-200/hr
Typical start timeline: 1-3 weeks
Locum tenens or per diem work for a dermatologist involves providing temporary coverage at clinics or hospitals in New York, diagnosing and treating skin conditions, performing exams, prescribing medications, and occasionally minor procedures. Assignments fill staffing gaps, often in outpatient settings with 25-35 patients per day. Flexible shifts like M-F 8a-5p support medical dermatology focus.
Malpractice Insurance: Typically provided by employer
New York notes: NYC metro +10-15%; Upstate/rural NY +20-30% (higher shortage premium); Long Island at metro baseline; Mohs Surgery $300-475/hr; General Derm $200-280/hr; Cosmetic Derm $250-375/hr
Typical start timeline: 4-6 weeks
Healthcare AI companies hire dermatologist professionals to review, annotate, and validate training data for medical AI systems. Work involves dermatology image classification and lesion annotation — tasks like skin lesion classification, dermoscopy annotation, melanoma detection.
Malpractice Insurance: No
New York notes: Fully remote — available regardless of state. Pay based on specialty expertise, not location.
Typical start timeline: 1-2 weeks
Getting started: Join the expert community and make a free profile on Folio to browse current dermatologist AI training projects.
Telemedicine allows dermatologists to conduct virtual consultations for skin condition assessments, treatment recommendations, and follow-ups without in-person visits. Dermatologists review images, history, and symptoms remotely, prescribing medications or referring as needed. This suits episodic care like rashes or acne management.
Malpractice Insurance: Yes ($5,000-$15,000/year)
New York notes: NYC market saturated; Upstate underserved areas higher demand; NY telehealth regulations relatively favorable; Asynchronous store-forward $80-125/encounter; Live video consults $150-235/hr; After-hours/weekend +30-40%
Typical start timeline: 2-4 weeks
Q: What are the highest-paying freelance options for dermatologists in New York?
A: Based on current market data, the top 3 are: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($400-$800/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($325-$650/hr), Medical Writing / Content Creation ($150-$400/hr).
Q: Which freelance options for dermatologists don't require malpractice insurance?
A: 4 options don't require malpractice insurance: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($400-$800/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($325-$650/hr), Medical Writing / Content Creation ($150-$400/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($150-$375/hr). This can save $20-$50K annually compared to options requiring coverage.
Q: Can dermatologists work remotely in New York?
A: Yes, 5 options are fully or partially remote: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting ($400-$800/hr), Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards ($325-$650/hr), Medical Writing / Content Creation ($150-$400/hr), AI Training & Annotation ($150-$375/hr), Telemedicine / Telehealth ($125-$235/hr).
Q: What New York license do dermatologists need for freelance work?
A: An active New York license from New York State Education Department Office of the Professions is required for most clinical freelance options.
Q: How quickly can dermatologists start freelance work?
A: Timeline varies by option: Expert Witness / Medical-Legal Consulting typically takes 1-4 weeks, while Healthcare Consulting / Advisory Boards typically takes 4-8 weeks, while Medical Writing / Content Creation typically takes 1-3 weeks.
Q: What's the pay range for dermatologists doing AI training work?
A: AI training pays $150-$375/hour for dermatologists, varying by experience level and project complexity. No malpractice insurance required.
Folio connects New York dermatologists with frontier research labs and healthcare AI companies looking for clinical expertise. The platform vets AI companies for project quality, handles contracting and payment, and matches projects to your area of expertise.
Typical timeline:
- Application: 3 minutes
- Credential review: 2-3 business days
- Platform orientation: 1 hour
- First project: 3-7 days from application
Current project focus (February 2026): Skin lesion classification, dermoscopy annotation, melanoma detection
Most dermatologists start with 5-10 hours weekly, then scale based on preference. No minimum commitment.
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Questions? Email experts@folioworks.com
