Psychiatrist Salary in California
Based on 5K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$353,500
$169.95/hr
vs National Average
$257,685
+37.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$114K – $496K
5K employed in California
Psychiatrist salary in California averages $353,500 annually, significantly outpacing most other states. With approximately 5,420 mental health professionals working in the state, California offers competitive compensation that reflects both the high cost of living and strong demand for psychiatric services. This median salary runs 37 percent above the national average, making California one of the most lucrative markets for psychiatric practice.
Several factors influence psychiatrist salary in California, including geographic location within the state, years of clinical experience, and work setting. Urban centers like San Francisco and Los Angeles typically offer higher compensation than rural areas. Additionally, psychiatrists in private practice or specialized fields may earn differently than those in hospital systems or community mental health centers. Credentials, board certification status, and patient populations served also play meaningful roles in determining individual compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Psychiatrist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $113,990 |
| 25th percentile | $173,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $353,500 |
| 75th percentile | $414,640 |
| 90th percentile | $496,230 |
Top-Paying Industries for Psychiatrist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Psychiatrists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Psychiatrists in California tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $305,530 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $300,030 | 90 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $286,770 | 23K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $280,010 | 70 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $188,090 | 240 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Psychiatrist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $353,500 |
| 2026 (projected) | $364,105 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $353,500 | $257,685 |
| 2026 (projected) | $364,105 | $265,416 |
Psychiatrist Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $173,990 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $353,500 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $414,640 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $496,230 |
Psychiatrist Salary in Other States
Related Psychiatrist Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Psychiatrist ($353,500 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Psychiatrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | -11.2% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | -14.8% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | -17.3% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | -23.5% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | -28.7% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | -39.4% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | -42.3% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | -43.1% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | -47.5% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | -52.3% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | -53.1% | $79.78/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CA | $165,650 | -53.1% | $79.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do psychiatrists make in California?
- The median salary for psychiatrists in California is $353,500 per year, or approximately $170 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 37.2% increase above what psychiatrists earn across the United States.
What is the salary range for psychiatrists in California?
- Psychiatrist salaries in California range from a low of $113,990 to a high of $496,230 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, location within the state, and type of employment.
Is psychiatry a well-paying job in California compared to the rest of the US?
- Yes, psychiatry is significantly more lucrative in California than nationally. With a median salary of $353,500, California psychiatrists earn 37.2% more than the national average, making it one of the highest-paying states for this profession.
How many psychiatrists are employed in California?
- There are currently 5,420 psychiatrists employed in California, representing a substantial portion of the mental health workforce in the state.