As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Clinical Psychiatrist in the United States is $294,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $142.
However, a Clinical Psychiatrist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Clinical 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 Clinical 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 Clinical Psychiatrist | $287,748 |
| Intermediate Level Clinical Psychiatrist | $289,054 |
| Senior Level Clinical Psychiatrist | $290,360 |
| Specialist Level Clinical Psychiatrist | $292,188 |
| Expert Level Clinical Psychiatrist | $297,113 |
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 Clinical 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
|
$318,384 |
8%
|
|
Medication Management
|
$315,436 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$309,540 |
5%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$306,592 |
4%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$300,696 |
2%
|
|
Clinical Services
|
$300,696 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Clinical 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 Clinical Psychiatrist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $249,367 and $265,249).
Clinical 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 Clinical 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Clinical 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 Clinical Psychiatrist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Psychiatrists generally earn more than therapists. Based on recent salary data, clinical psychiatrists have a salary range from $242,900 to $296,800, with a mid-salary of $268,800. In comparison, therapists typically earn around $74,312 annually. Factors like experience, education, and location can influence these figures.
No, you cannot become a psychiatrist without attending medical school. Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health, requiring completion of medical school and earning an MD or DO. The salary for clinical psychiatrists ranges from approximately $242,900 to $296,800, with a median salary around $268,800.
Answer: A doctorate degree in Psychiatry is the highest degree in the psychiatry field. To practice as a psychiatrist in the US, one must earn an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy). Psychiatrists can expect salaries ranging from $242,900 to $296,800, with a median salary of $268,800.
Clinical psychology, particularly in the field of psychiatry, tends to offer the highest earning potential. Clinical psychiatrists can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $242,900 to a mid-range of $268,800, with top earners making up to $296,800. Income can vary based on factors such as location and experience.
In addition to being in demand, psychiatrist positions are by far the highest-paying jobs for psychology majors, with salaries ranging from $242,900 to $296,800. The median salary for clinical psychiatrists is approximately $268,800, reflecting the significant earning potential in this field.
Psychiatrists typically earn between $242,900 and $296,800 annually, with a mid-salary of $268,800. While some experienced psychiatrists may earn higher, reaching $500,000 is uncommon and usually requires additional qualifications, specialization, or a high-demand practice area.
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.)
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