As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Psychiatrist in the United States is $295,188 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 | $288,038 |
| Intermediate Level Psychiatrist | $289,362 |
| Senior Level Psychiatrist | $290,686 |
| Specialist Level Psychiatrist | $292,540 |
| Expert Level Psychiatrist | $297,448 |
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
|
$318,803 |
8%
|
|
Medication Management
|
$315,851 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$309,947 |
5%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$306,996 |
4%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$301,092 |
2%
|
|
Clinical Services
|
$301,092 |
2%
|
Psychiatrist salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $332,051. While startup companies pay approximate $281,950.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $281,950 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $297,890 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $320,956 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $332,051 |
For Psychiatrist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Psychiatrist positions in Biotechnology or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Psychiatrist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $324,707 | $156.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $324,707 | $156.0 | 10% |
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 July 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 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $231,993 |
| 2024 | $237,504 |
| 2025 | $226,789 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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 $372,321.
The highest pay for Psychiatrist is $353,046.
The lowest pay for Psychiatrist is $261,293.
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.
The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Psychiatrist roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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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