Psychiatrist Salary
by City (2026)
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication and psychotherapy. National median: $248K/year. See how your city compares.
Psychiatrist salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $248K Psychiatrist salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βPsychiatrist Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Psychiatrist is $248,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $195,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $310,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Psychiatrists nationally earn $400,000+.
Education and requirements
MD; psychiatry residency; board certification. This role is 35% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Psychiatrist compensation is growing at 3.8% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Psychiatrist salary FAQ
How much does a Psychiatrist make?
The median Psychiatrist salary in the US is $248,000 per year β about $119/hour. Most earn between $195,000 (25th percentile) and $310,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Psychiatrist?
Entry-level Psychiatrist positions typically start around $195,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Psychiatrists earn?
The top 10% of Psychiatrists earn $400,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Psychiatrists the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Psychiatrist salary at $347K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Psychiatrist salaries going up?
Yes β Psychiatrist pay is growing about 3.8% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.