How Much Do Child Psychiatrists Make?
Child psychiatry is a specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health problems in children and their families. Child psychiatrists study the biopsychosocial factors that affect the development of various psychiatric disorders and treatment responses to different interventions. (Psychiatry.org)
For proper child assessment, a psychiatric history is obtained by interviewing the child and his family. The evaluation features an exploration of the child’s behavioral and emotional problems, physical health and development, relationships in the family, and any history of mental illness in the family. The child psychiatrist develops a treatment plan for the child with diagnosed behavior and thought disorders.
Psychiatrists use many types of treatments: psychotherapy, medications, psychosocial interventions, and electroconvulsive therapy.
Psychotherapy also is called talk therapy, which is a speaking relationship between the psychiatrist and the patient. It can be helpful to treat many types of emotional and mental problems for children. The goal of this treatment is to reduce disabling symptoms so the child can function better at home, school, and life. See also how to become a Psychotherapist.
Some of the versions of psychotherapy that child psychiatrists may use are:
- Changing behaviors or thought patterns
- Explore the effects of past relationships
- Experiences that affect present behavior
If you are interested in being a child psychiatrist, you will need to obtain your MD degree in psychiatry. Earning your MD and performing a residency can take up to 10 years, so it is important to understand the salary potential as a child psychiatrist. Below is detailed salary information for this occupation.
Child Psychiatry Salary Information
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tracks detailed salary information for psychiatrists. It reports that psychiatrists earn an average salary of $256,930.
The BLS also tracks average psychiatrist salaries for the following work environments that are particularly relevant for child psychiatrists:
- Specialty hospitals – $337,520
- Local government, excluding schools and hospitals – $318,690
- Offices of physicians – $304,440
- Offices of other health practitioners – $227,910
- Hospitals – $200,640
- Colleges, universities, and professional schools – $155,430
Some professionals who earn their MD in psychiatry also work as psychologists. The median salary for psychologists is $92,740, with the top 10% earning a salary that starts at $151,880 per year.
Psychologists with a psychiatrist background will usually earn at the top end of the salary scale.
The BLS also tracks average salary data for these types of psychologists:
- Clinical and counseling psychologists – $106,600
- School psychologists – $91,990
BLS stats on a state-by-state basis report the following average salaries for psychiatrists:
| Hourly | Annual | |
| Connecticut | $162.80 | $338,620 |
| Louisiana | $153.26 | $318,770 |
| Minnesota | $146.17 | $304,040 |
| Missouri | $144.02 | $299,560 |
| Utah | $142.24 | $295,870 |
| Indiana | $142.07 | $295,510 |
| California | $138.59 | $288,270 |
| Oregon | $138.16 | $287,370 |
| Maine | $132.96 | $276,570 |
| Pennsylvania | $132.73 | $276,080 |
| South Dakota | $130.94 | $272,350 |
| Maryland | $130.06 | $270,520 |
| New Jersey | $127.53 | $265,270 |
| Arizona | $122.94 | $255,720 |
| Wisconsin | $121.20 | $252,100 |
| Rhode Island | $120.08 | $249,770 |
| Kansas | $120.03 | $249,670 |
| Georgia | $120.00 | $249,600 |
| Virginia | $119.94 | $249,480 |
| Michigan | $118.61 | $246,710 |
| Oklahoma | $114.90 | $238,990 |
| Washington | $111.80 | $232,550 |
| Nevada | $111.43 | $231,780 |
| Iowa | $110.41 | $229,640 |
| Vermont | $109.80 | $228,390 |
| New York | $108.48 | $225,650 |
| Illinois | $108.29 | $225,240 |
| Kentucky | $105.84 | $220,150 |
| Delaware | $104.35 | $217,050 |
| Arkansas | $101.70 | $211,530 |
| New Hampshire | $101.41 | $210,920 |
| Ohio | $99.06 | $206,050 |
| Texas | $98.69 | $205,270 |
| Mississippi | $98.57 | $205,020 |
| Tennessee | $98.56 | $205,000 |
| Alabama | $89.65 | $186,460 |
| North Carolina | $87.98 | $183,000 |
| Massachusetts | $85.89 | $178,640 |
| South Carolina | $85.61 | $178,060 |
| Alaska | $79.90 | $166,190 |
| District of Columbia | $75.15 | $156,300 |
| Hawaii | $73.86 | $153,630 |
| West Virginia | $63.71 | $132,510 |
Job Outlook for Child Psychiatrists
BLS data shows employment for psychiatrists should rise by 7.6% between 2023 and 2033, nearly double the general average rage for all jobs over that time frame. It is thought the growing and aging US population will increase the need for doctors and psychiatrists. As the population gets older, and there are more chronic illnesses, consumers will want to have more psychiatric care to deal with their mental health problems.
The field of psychology also is poised for strong job growth. The BLS reports there should be a 7% increase in psychology jobs between 2023 and 2033. Employment of clinical psychologists and counseling psychologists should grow because of more demand for psychological services in educational institutions, hospitals, and mental health centers. Psychiatrists can prescribe medicines, so the demand for psychologists who can prescribe drugs should be quite high.
Summary
If you earn your MD in psychiatry, you will have many strong career possibilities before you with the potential of a high salary. The average salary for psychiatrists is $256,930. The best psychology career paths for child psychiatrists involve working in private practice, which can be very lucrative. Working as a psychiatrist for a government agency also pays very well.
Increased demand for psychiatric services is likely as the US population is aging and living healthier than ever before. More Americans want to have their mental health problems addressed. Becoming a child psychiatrist is an excellent career path with a high ceiling for salary.
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary for Psychologists and Psychiatrists. National labor market information and state labor market information also sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor. Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.