Should I Choose Psychiatry? Real Physician Decision Guide (2026) | SalaryDr
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  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle Insights
  3. Psychiatry
  4. Should I Choose?

Should I Choose Psychiatry?

Real decision-making data from 7 verified Psychiatry physicians. Here is what they actually think.

4.1/5
Avg Satisfaction
86%
Would Choose Again
36
Avg Hours/Week
$519K
Avg Compensation

The Verdict

86%
of Psychiatry physicians would choose the specialty again

An overwhelming 86% of Psychiatry physicians say they would choose the specialty again -- a strong endorsement.

Work-Life Balance Reality in Psychiatry

36
average hours per week reported by Psychiatry physicians
“I only work 40 hours a week, 4x10hr shifts. I am 1099 so any time I miss I don't get paid. I do work a lot compared to a W2 provider because I don't take much vacation. I do see a very limited number of patients a day, average of 7 per day. I work in Corrections. ”
— Psychiatry Physician
“I work 5 8-hour shifts a week, majorly tele-health visits however it’s expected of me to always be in office.”
— Psychiatry Physician
“Good work life balance, no nights or weekend s required (but can take additional call for additional pay)”
— Psychiatry Physician

How Psychiatry Compares

See how Psychiatry stacks up against other popular specialties.

PsychiatryCurrent
Satisfaction:4.1/5
Choose Again:86%
Hours:36
Comp:$519K
Pediatrics
Satisfaction:4/5
Choose Again:84%
General Dentist
Satisfaction:3.5/5
Choose Again:83%
Family Medicine
Satisfaction:3.6/5
Choose Again:76%
SpecialtySatisfactionWould Choose Again

Negotiation Tips From Psychiatry Physicians

“Go 1099. Don't fall for the trap of W2 unless you are looking for a job that is really light with benefits. Otherwise W2 is a horrible position to be in for psychiatrists. ”
— Psychiatry Physician

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Psychiatry worth it?

Based on 7 verified physician responses, Psychiatry physicians report 4.1/5 average satisfaction and 86% say they would choose the specialty again. Average total compensation is $519K. Whether it is worth it depends on your priorities, but the data suggests most physicians are satisfied with their choice.

What's the work-life balance like in Psychiatry?

Psychiatry physicians work an average of 36 hours per week. One physician shared: "I only work 40 hours a week, 4x10hr shifts. I am 1099 so any time I miss I don't get paid. I do work a lot compared to a W2 provider because I don't t..."

How much do Psychiatry physicians make?

Based on SalaryDr data, Psychiatry physicians earn an average total compensation of $519K. With an average of 36 hours per week, that translates to roughly $277/hour.

Still deciding? Hear from more Psychiatry physicians

Explore detailed lifestyle insights or contribute your own experience to help others make their decision.

View Full Psychiatry InsightsShare Your Experience

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Specialties
  • All Physician Salaries
  • Salaries by City
  • General Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Cardiology
  • Salaries by State
Tools
  • Salary Comparison
  • Take Home Calculator
  • Offer Analyzer
  • Compare Specialties
  • Salary Negotiation
Salary Data
  • Salary Benchmarks
  • Salary Trends
  • Compensation Analysis
  • Lifestyle Insights
  • Compensation Components
  • Annual Report
Community
  • SalaryDen Forum
  • Latest Discussions
  • Submit Your Salary
  • Share Feedback
  • Salary FAQ
For Dentists
  • All Dentist Salaries
  • Dental Salary Database
  • Dentist Salary by State
  • Submit Dental Salary
  • Dental Calculator
Legal
  • About
  • Methodology
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Community Guidelines
  • DMCA Policy
  • Data Retention
  • Cookie Policy
  • Safe Harbor
  • Data Requests

Follow SalaryDr

  • TikTok (@salarydr)
  • Instagram (@salarydr_)
  • X (Twitter) (@salarydr)

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Avg Hours
Avg Comp
PsychiatryCurrent4.1/586%36$519K
Pediatrics4/584%46$355K
General Dentist3.5/583%36$364K
Family Medicine3.6/576%44$315K