Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health, including substance use disorders.
Getting Started
How to Become a Psychiatrist
At 12 years to get started, this takes longer than the 10.7 years average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
Complete Education
Earn your Doctoral Degree (typically 12 years) at an estimated cost of $250k–$375k.
Get Licensed or Certified
Complete any state-required licensing or certification exams for psychiatrist practice.
Begin Working
Psychiatrist earn a median salary of $269k/yr, with entry-level positions starting somewhat lower.
Education costs from College Scorecard. Training timelines from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Overview
What Does a Psychiatrist Do?
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health, including substance use disorders. They are uniquely qualified among mental health professionals to prescribe medications, perform physical examinations, order diagnostic tests, and integrate medical and psychological approaches to treatment. Demand for psychiatrists is exceptionally high due to a nationwide shortage.
On the Job
Compensation
How Much Does a Psychiatrist Make?
At $269k/yr, psychiatrist earn about the same as the average for Doctoral Degree-level careers ($267k/yr).
$269k/yr
median annual salary
How It Compares
| Career | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Psychiatrist | $269k/yr |
| Home Health Aide | $34k/yr |
| Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | $39k/yr |
| Physician Assistant | $130k/yr |
| General Surgeon | $355k/yr |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024
Future-Proofing
Psychiatrist Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Employment Growth
The BLS projects 3% growth over the next decade, roughly in line with the 4.8% average for Doctoral Degree-level careers.
10-Year Growth
3%
About as fast as average
Current Employment
28k
jobs nationwide
AI & Automation Risk
Moderate Exposure
Psychiatrist roles have moderate exposure to AI automation — roughly average among Doctoral Degree-level careers. While some administrative tasks may be augmented by AI, core duties still require human expertise. Core responsibilities like state licensing requirements require human presence and judgment that AI cannot replicate.
Why It's Safe
- +Assisting and caring for others
- +Establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships
- +Resolving conflicts and negotiating with others
- +Developing and building teams
- +Coaching and developing others
What Could Be Automated
- −Getting information
- −Making decisions and solving problems
- −Documenting/recording information
- −Analyzing data or information
- −Processing information
Based on Pew Research + O*NET methodology and Bureau of Labor Statistics projections
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Sources
Data Freshness
BLS OEWS: 2024-05 · BLS Projections: 2024-09 · O*NET: 2024-12