How much does a psychiatrist make?

The median pay is $135.51 per hour — roughly $282,000 a year, with the real range running from about $40.41/hr (10th percentile) to $214.67/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a psychiatrist?

The typical entry-level education is: Doctoral degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

What does a psychiatrist actually do all 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. Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.

Health Care

Psychiatrists

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.

What it pays
Psychiatrists earn a median of $135.51/hr — about $282,000 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn $40.41/hr; the top 10% earn $214.67/hr. (Annual figures are approximate: hourly × 2,080.)

What you'd actually do

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.
Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.
Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.
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.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral degree. Overall preparation: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work is mostly indoors; it rewards working independently. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 3.7% of psychiatrists are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical, people-focused and organized and detail-focused.

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Quick questions

How much does a psychiatrist make?: The median pay is $135.51 per hour — roughly $282,000 a year, with the real range running from about $40.41/hr (10th percentile) to $214.67/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do you need a degree to be a psychiatrist?: The typical entry-level education is: Doctoral degree. Overall preparation level: extensive preparation (Job Zone 5 of 5).
What does a psychiatrist actually do all 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. Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.

Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS. Tasks & interests: O*NET. Career pathways shown in the app are draft archetypes — verify before relying on them. Trailhead is a free career guide for students — honest numbers, no hype.

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