Source: SalaryDr salary data for Psychiatry (N=74 verified submissions, updated March 19, 2026, data as of 2026-03-19). URL: https://www.salarydr.com
Becoming a psychiatrist requires 9 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 4 years of residency, and 1-2 years (optional). The median attending salary is $360,000/year based on 74 verified submissions.
4 years
Average medical school debt: $200,000 (AAMC). No physician income during this period.
4 years
Residency salary data not yet available. Typical resident salaries range from $63,000-$88,000/year.(1 submissions)
1-2 years (optional)
Optional fellowship. Fellows typically earn $70,000-$95,000/year.
0-5 years experience
Based on 24 verified submissions(24 submissions)
6-15 years experience
Based on 44 verified submissions(44 submissions)
16+ years experience
Based on 6 verified submissions(6 submissions)
Psychiatrist salaries typically increase significantly with experience. Mid-career psychiatrists earn approximately $26,012 more per year than early career physicians — a 8% increase. Senior psychiatrists earn a median of $402,500/year, reflecting peak earning potential.
| Career Stage | Median Salary | vs. Early Career | Submissions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Career (0-5 yrs) | $336,488 | Baseline | 24 |
| Mid-Career (6-15 yrs) | $362,500 | +$26,012 | 44 |
| Senior (16+ yrs) | $402,500 | +$66,012 | 6 |
It takes 9 years of post-college training: 4 years of medical school, 4 years of residency, and 1-2 years (optional). Most physicians begin independent practice in their early 30s.
Psychiatrists earn a full attending salary after completing all required training (9 years post-college). During residency and fellowship, physicians earn a training salary that is significantly less than attending pay.
With average medical school debt of $200,000 and a median attending salary of $360,000, psychiatrists can typically expect to reach a financial break-even point approximately 1 years after starting attending practice. Actual timelines vary based on loan terms, living expenses, and repayment strategy.
Yes. Psychiatry attending salaries generally increase with experience. Our data shows mid-career psychiatrists (6-15 years) earn approximately 8% more than early career physicians (0-5 years).
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