Psychiatrist Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 310+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$183,080
$88.02/hr
vs National Average
$257,685
-29.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $304K
310 employed in District of Columbia
Psychiatrist salary in District of Columbia averages $183,080 annually, according to recent employment data covering 310 workers in the field. However, this figure falls approximately 29% below the national average for psychiatrists, reflecting regional economic differences. The salary range spans from $45,150 to $304,250, indicating significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence psychiatrist compensation in the District of Columbia, including years of experience, specialized credentials, and practice setting. Whether a psychiatrist works in private practice, hospitals, government agencies, or academic institutions substantially affects earning potential. Additionally, factors such as patient volume, insurance contracts, and professional reputation play important roles in determining individual salaries within the region.
Salary Distribution — Psychiatrist in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,150 |
| 25th percentile | $71,550 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $183,080 |
| 75th percentile | $289,360 |
| 90th percentile | $304,250 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $67,170 |
| 2023 | $101,310 |
| 2024 | $193,470 |
| 2025 | $183,080 |
| 2026 (projected) | $183,080 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $67,170 | $185,151 |
| 2023 | $101,310 | $179,113 |
| 2024 | $193,470 | $192,798 |
| 2025 | $183,080 | $257,685 |
| 2026 (projected) | $183,080 | $257,685 |
Psychiatrist Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $71,550 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $183,080 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $289,360 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $304,250 |
Psychiatrist Salary in Other States
Related Psychiatrist Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Psychiatrist ($183,080 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Psychiatrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +73.8% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +45.1% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +27.5% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +21.9% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +10.6% | $97.39/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | -0.3% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | -15.3% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | -16.2% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | -25.0% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | -25.8% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | -26.2% | $64.97/hr |
| Optometrist in DC | $134,840 | -26.3% | $64.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do psychiatrists make in Washington DC?
- The median salary for psychiatrists in District of Columbia is $183,080 per year, or $88 per hour. This is approximately 29% lower than the national average for psychiatrists.
What is the salary range for psychiatrists in DC?
- Psychiatrist salaries in District of Columbia range from $45,150 to $304,250 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and practice setting.
Are psychiatrist salaries in DC below the national average?
- Yes, psychiatrist salaries in District of Columbia are 29% below the national average, with a median of $183,080 compared to higher national figures.
How many psychiatrists are employed in Washington DC?
- There are approximately 310 psychiatrists currently employed in District of Columbia according to the latest employment data.