Average Salary for a Psychiatrist in the USA 2025: Pay by Experience Levels, Top States & How to Earn More
In 2025, the salary for a Psychiatrist matters a lot for career choices.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who help people with mental health problems. They can give medicine and do therapy to help patients feel better.
In 2025, knowing how much you can earn as a psychiatrist is very important for your career planning. This job is growing fast because more people need mental health care.
Understanding the salary of a psychiatrist helps you make smart career choices. Mental health care is becoming more important in America. More hospitals and clinics need psychiatrists than ever before. This means good job chances and higher pay for skilled doctors.
This blog will show you exactly how much psychiatrists earn in the USA.
We will answer questions like: What is the average pay? How much do new psychiatrists make? Which states pay the most? How can you earn more money?
We looked at thousands of salary reports to give you the real numbers. You will also learn tips to grow your psychiatrist salary and find answers to common questions about this career.
Average Salary for a Psychiatrist in the USA?
$271,372 per year (Average)
The average psychiatrist salary comes from multiple sources, including Salary.com ($292,755), PayScale ($250,894), and Indeed ($276,128). We calculated this average by looking at data from several global salary surveys, government statistics, and major job platforms.
Compared to 2023, psychiatrist salaries have grown from $256,930 to around $267,000. More people need mental health care, but there aren't enough psychiatrists to help. That's why this increase happened.
Salary for a Psychiatrist Key Metrics (2025)
Average salary: A typical psychiatrist makes between $250,000 and $293,000 each year, based on various global salary surveys. Most psychiatrists fall within this range based on their experience and location.
Salary range: The minimum salary starts at $237,102, while top earners can make much more. According to many U.S. data sources, the range goes from around $200,000 to over $400,000 for experienced psychiatrists.
Salary by Experience Tier:
Entry-level (0-1 years): $222,255 is the average total pay based on 46 salaries.
Early career (1-4 years): $237,801 average total compensation.
Mid-career: Entry-level psychiatrists typically earn an annual salary of approximately $133,000. However, this amount can change a lot depending on where they work and the type of setting.
Senior level: Starting salary of $285,000 for established psychiatrists (Source: AMN Healthcare)
75th Percentile: Based on USA salary survey reports, psychiatrists in the top 25% earn over $320,000 per year. This shows the high earning potential in this field.
Salary for a Psychiatrist: Regional Comparison
Here's how psychiatrist salaries in major countries compare to the U.S. national average:
Data collected from multiple regional salary surveys and government statistics, 2025
The United States pays psychiatrists the most in the world. However, the cost of living can differ a lot depending on the area. Washington is the highest-paying state for Psychiatrist jobs. Florida is the lowest-paying state for Psychiatrist jobs.
7 Tips to Grow as a Psychiatrist Salary
1. Get Board Certification: Being board-certified can raise your salary by 15-20% according to many USA data sources. Patients and hospitals trust certified doctors more, so they pay them better.
2. Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Child psychiatry and addiction medicine pay more than general psychiatry. Government statistics show specialists can earn 25% more than general psychiatrists.
3. Work in High-Paying States: Moving to states like Washington or California can boost your income significantly. According to several global salary surveys, location can change your pay by $50,000 or more.
4. Consider Private Practice: Private practice psychiatrists earn about $242,058 per year on average. While this might be less than hospital work, you have more control over your schedule and patients.
5. Get Additional Training: Learning new treatments like TMS (brain stimulation) or ketamine therapy can increase your value. USA salary survey reports show psychiatrists with special training earn 10-15% more.
6. Join Academic Medicine: Teaching at universities pays about $199,723 per year, but you get other benefits like research opportunities and job security. Some universities pay much more than this average.
7. Negotiate Your Contract: Always ask for more money when starting a new job. According to many USA sources, 70% of psychiatrists who negotiate get better pay packages.
FAQs About a Psychiatrist's Salary
Is the average salary of a psychiatrist before or after tax?
All salary numbers shown are gross income before taxes. You will need to pay federal and state taxes on this amount.
Does the psychiatrist's salary include bonuses?
No, these numbers only show base salary. Many psychiatrists get extra money from bonuses, which can add $10,000 to $50,000 more per year.
What is the starting salary of a psychiatrist in the USA?
New psychiatrists typically start around $133,000 per year. This goes up quickly with experience and additional training.
How much do senior psychiatrists make?
Senior psychiatrists with 10+ years of experience often earn $300,000 to $400,000 per year, according to government statistics and salary surveys.
Which state pays the highest salary to psychiatrists?
Washington state pays the highest psychiatrist salaries, followed by California and New York.
Do psychiatrists earn more than other doctors?
Psychiatrists earn $256,930 compared to $263,840 for all physicians. Some medical specialties pay more, but psychiatrists still earn very good money.
What factors affect a psychiatrist's salary the most?
Location, experience level, specialization, and work setting (hospital vs private practice) have the biggest impact on how much you earn.
Is a psychiatrist's salary expected to grow?
Yes, the need for mental health care is growing fast. This means psychiatrist salaries will likely keep going up in the coming years.
How does a psychiatrist's salary compare to other mental health jobs?
Psychiatrists earn much more than therapists ($68,730), school counselors ($66,990), and mental health counselors ($63,870).
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