How to Become a Psychiatrist
Diagnose and treat mental illness as a physician, combining psychotherapy, medication management, and medical insight. It typically requires a doctoral degree (md/do) + residency, with a median salary of $281,870 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$281,870/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
900
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Psychiatric Assessment
- Psychopharmacology
- Active Listening
- Critical Thinking
- Empathy
Helpful certifications
- USMLE/COMLEX + ABPN board certification
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Physician (Family Medicine)$244,180 median
- Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)$236,590 median
- Dentist$170,950 median
- Pharmacist$140,910 median
- Optometrist$136,570 median
- Physician Assistant$135,880 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Psychiatrist make?
The median pay for a Psychiatrist is $281,870 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Psychiatrist?
The usual entry point is a doctoral degree (md/do) + residency. Common majors are Psychology, Biology, Neuroscience, and Pre-Med / Pre-Health.
Is Psychiatrist a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 900 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Psychiatrist use most?
Common skills for this role are Psychiatric Assessment, Psychopharmacology, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, and Empathy.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.