As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Psychiatrist in the United States is $294,970 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $142.
However, a Psychiatrist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Psychiatrist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Psychiatrist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Psychiatrist | $287,710 |
| Intermediate Level Psychiatrist | $289,055 |
| Senior Level Psychiatrist | $290,399 |
| Specialist Level Psychiatrist | $292,281 |
| Expert Level Psychiatrist | $297,266 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Psychiatrists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 5.26% |
| Case Management | 3.48% |
| CPR | 2.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Healthcare Services
|
$318,568 |
8%
|
|
Medication Management
|
$315,618 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$309,719 |
5%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$306,769 |
4%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$300,869 |
2%
|
|
Clinical Services
|
$300,869 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Psychiatrists enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Psychiatrist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $250,405 and $266,352).
Psychiatrist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 1.6% |
| Bachelors | 4.2% |
| Masters | 5.7% |
| Doctorate | 85.6% |
Understanding how a Psychiatrist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026Salaries for a Psychiatrist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $231,993 in 2023 to around $226,789 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Psychiatrist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Psychiatrist and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Psychiatrist's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Psychiatrist earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Psychiatrist is $372,046.
The highest pay for Psychiatrist is $353,735.
The lowest pay for Psychiatrist is $260,553.
Evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients with mental illnesses through a combination of personal counseling (psychotherapy), psychoanalysis, hospitalization, and/or medication. Performs initial psychiatric assessments, develops individualized care plans, and implements treatment for the patient. Prescribes psychopharmacological medications as needed. Monitors and records client progress, and amends treatment plan according to patient response. Requires a MD. Typically requires Board Certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Requires State License to Practice. Typically reports to a medical director. Years of experience may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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