Psychiatrist Salary (2025): How to Earn $300K+ in Mental Health Medicine

 

💵 Salary Range (USA, 2025)

  • Entry-Level Minimum (10th percentile): ~$133,000 - $200,000 for new attendings and public-sector roles

  • Median:

    • $239,200 per US News (2023)

    • ~$268,800 per Salary.com (2025)

    • ~$271,700 via Indeed (2025)

  • Maximum / Top Earners: $394,000 - $400,000+ for outpatient/inpatient roles and locum tenens. Experienced specialists in private practice or underserved regions can exceed $600,000 - $1,000,000, per Reddit insights.

State Highlights:
Highest average salaries in CT ($339K), LA ($319K), MN (~$304K)

💼 What They Do

Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health, diagnosing and treating disorders like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and addiction. They use clinical interviews, DSM-5 criteria, biological tests, and brain imaging to develop personalized treatment plans. Psychiatrists can prescribe medications, provide psychotherapy, and coordinate care with psychologists, social workers, and other specialists.

🎓 Education & Training

  1. Bachelor’s degree – 4 years (pre-medical science)

  2. Medical school – 4 years (MD or DO)

  3. Psychiatry residency – typically 4 years; includes rotations in neurology, medicine, and emergency psychiatry

  4. Optional fellowship – 1–2 years in subspecialties like Child & Adolescent, Geriatric, Addiction, Forensic Psychiatry

⏱️ Total training: 12–14 years post–high school.

📜 Certification

  • Board Certification via ABPN (American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology) requires:

    • Diplomate in Psychiatry (after residency + written/oral exams)

    • Subspecialty certifications (e.g., Child, Addiction, Forensic) 

  • Maintenance of Certification (MOC) includes ongoing CME and recertification every 10 years

🏛️ Licensing

  • Medical license required in all US states via USMLE (MD) or COMLEX (DO) Steps 1–3 

  • Board certification is not required to practice but is essential for hospital privileges and insurance participation.

📈 Career Outlook & Work Environment

  • Strong demand with projected growth (~8% by 2033)—above-average among physician specialties.

  • Practice settings range from private outpatient clinics to hospitals, community centers, and telepsychiatry platforms.

  • Work-life balance varies: outpatient roles often allow smoother schedules, while public-sector or locum roles may demand more volume.

✅ Final Takeaway

A career in psychiatry offers:

  • Strong earning potential: $133k entry; $270k - $300k typical; $400k+ top roles; $600k - 1M+ for private practice or high-demand areas.

  • Extensive training: 12–14 years (college, med school, residency, optional fellowship).

  • Credentials: ABPN board certification + MOC; USMLE/COMLEX + state medical licensing.

  • Impactful work: Diagnosing and treating mental illness with medication, therapy, and care coordination.