Average Psychiatrist Salary by State
At the same time the U.S. is facing a mental health crisis (suicide has become the second-leading cause of death for people between 10 and 34), the country is also facing a growing shortage of psychiatrists, doctors who can help people address their mental health challenges.
According to an analysis by the Medical Director Institute, more than 3 in 4 counties are underserved by their psychiatrist workforce, and a majority of states have a potentially dangerous shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists.
Psychiatrists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health, and jobs in the field are not necessarily easy to get. But for those who have a passion for studying and treating psychological health issues, becoming a psychiatrist is likely to be a worthwhile endeavor.
So how much do psychiatrists make? Nationally, the average psychiatrist makes $256,930 per year, and in every state, the average psychiatrist earns a considerably higher wage than other workers. In addition, most states are expected to see demand for psychiatrists rise, some quite dramatically.
SEE ALSO: Best States in America for Mental Health Workers
Let’s explore where each state stands when it comes to how much a psychiatrist can expect to earn in that state.
What’s On This Page
- Highest Psychiatrist Salaries
- Mid-Range Psychiatrist Salaries
- Lowest Psychiatrist Salaries
Psychiatrist Highest Average Salaries
In a total of 10 states, the average annual wage for psychiatrists exceeds $275,000, which, in addition to being on the high end of the state-level scale, is considerably higher even than the national average of about $256,930.
High-range states (#1-#10)
| Connecticut | $338,620 |
| Louisiana | $318,770 |
| Minnesota | $304,040 |
| Missouri | $299,560 |
| Utah | $295,870 |
| Indiana | $295,510 |
| California | $288,270 |
| Oregon | $287,370 |
| Maine | $276,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $276,080 |
Psychiatrist Mid-Range Average Salaries
A total of 26 states have what could be considered mid-range salaries, or those lower than $275,000 but higher than $185,000.
Mid-range states (#11-41)
| South Dakota | $272,350 |
| Maryland | $270,520 |
| New Jersey | $265,270 |
| Arizona | $255,720 |
| Wisconsin | $252,100 |
| Rhode Island | $249,770 |
| Kansas | $249,670 |
| Georgia | $249,600 |
| Virginia | $249,480 |
| Michigan | $246,710 |
| Oklahoma | $238,990 |
| Washington | $232,550 |
| Nevada | $231,780 |
| Iowa | $229,640 |
| Vermont | $228,390 |
| New York | $225,650 |
| Illinois | $225,240 |
| Kentucky | $220,150 |
| Delaware | $217,050 |
| Arkansas | $211,530 |
| New Hampshire | $210,920 |
| Ohio | $206,050 |
| Texas | $205,270 |
| Mississippi | $205,020 |
| Tennessee | $205,000 |
| Alabama | $186,460 |
Psychiatrist Lowest Average Salaries
Nine states have average psychiatrist wages that are lower than $185,000. Three states did not provide salary data. There’s over a $21k gap between the bottom salary in West Virginia and its closest runner up in Hawaii.
Low-range states (#42-#51)
| North Carolina | $183,000 |
| Massachusetts | $178,640 |
| South Carolina | $178,060 |
| Alaska | $166,190 |
| District of Columbia | $156,300 |
| Hawaii | $153,630 |
| West Virginia | $132,510 |
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary information for Psychiatrists is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.
Conclusion
Tackling the growing mental healthcare crisis in the U.S. will mean increasing the number of qualified psychiatrists, who can diagnose and treat serious mental illness as well as helping people deal with their day-to-day anxiety. While choosing which state to practice in goes far beyond just what you’re making, there’s no doubt that some states present a much more attractive picture than others for prospective psychiatrists.
SEE ALSO: Top Online PsyD Programs for 2020