Psychiatrists

SOC code 29-1223 · O*NET-SOC 29-1223.00 · Extensive preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Psychiatrists pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$281,870

a year

Hourly

$135.51

per hour

10th$84,060Median$281,87090th$446,520

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$269,940

$129.78 per hour

Middle 50%

$154,150 – $362,740

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$84,060 – $446,520

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

27,980

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $84,060; $40.41/hr
25th percentile: $154,150; $74.11/hr
Median percentile: $281,870; $135.51/hr
75th percentile: $362,740; $174.39/hr
90th percentile: $446,520; $214.67/hr

What does a psychiatrist do?

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Prescribe, direct, or administer psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.
Gather and maintain patient information and records, including social or medical history obtained from patients, relatives, or other professionals.
Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.
Counsel outpatients or other patients during office visits.
Analyze and evaluate patient data or test findings to diagnose nature or extent of mental disorder.
Examine or conduct laboratory or diagnostic tests on patients to provide information on general physical condition or mental disorder.
Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.
Advise or inform guardians, relatives, or significant others of patients' conditions or treatment.

How to become a psychiatrist

Most people in this role hold post-doctoral training — 59% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 5 — Extensive preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Experience: Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training: Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

See all zone 5 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Post-Doctoral Training59%
Doctoral Degree34%
Master's Degree5%
First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession.2%

Common questions

How much does a psychiatrist earn?

The national median is $281,870 a year. The full range runs from $84,060 at the 10th percentile to $446,520 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a psychiatrist without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 5, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree). The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening5.0/5
Critical Thinking4.4/5
Speaking4.1/5
Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Writing4.0/5
Monitoring4.0/5
Active Learning3.9/5

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry5.0/5
Therapy and Counseling4.9/5
Psychology4.8/5
Biology4.6/5
English Language4.6/5
Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
Education and Training4.0/5
Chemistry3.7/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making.