Psychiatrist Salary in Kentucky
Based on 160+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$237,770
$114.31/hr
vs National Average
$257,685
-7.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$74K – $362K
160 employed in Kentucky
Psychiatrist salary in Kentucky averages $237,770 annually, based on data from 160 workers in the state. This figure places Kentucky approximately 8% below the national average for psychiatric professionals. The salary range spans from $74,200 to $361,640, reflecting significant variation depending on individual circumstances and career progression within the field.
Several factors influence psychiatrist salary in Kentucky, including years of experience, specialized credentials, and practice setting. Psychiatrists working in urban areas or specialized clinics may earn differently than those in rural regions. Additionally, factors such as patient load, malpractice insurance costs, and whether a psychiatrist operates independently or works for a larger healthcare organization can substantially impact annual earnings.
Salary Distribution — Psychiatrist in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $74,200 |
| 25th percentile | $132,450 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $237,770 |
| 75th percentile | $288,780 |
| 90th percentile | $361,640 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $220,870 |
| 2024 | $229,630 |
| 2025 | $237,770 |
| 2026 (projected) | $246,199 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $220,870 | $179,113 |
| 2024 | $229,630 | $192,798 |
| 2025 | $237,770 | $257,685 |
| 2026 (projected) | $246,199 | $266,820 |
Psychiatrist Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $132,450 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $237,770 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $288,780 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $361,640 |
Psychiatrist Salary in Other States
Related Psychiatrist Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Psychiatrist ($237,770 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Psychiatrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +134.8% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +46.3% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +33.4% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +17.8% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +4.6% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +1.6% | $116.12/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | -6.4% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | -15.4% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | -26.1% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | -28.8% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | -31.8% | $77.96/hr |
| Pharmacist in KY | $136,530 | -42.6% | $65.64/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do psychiatrists make in Kentucky?
- The median salary for psychiatrists in Kentucky is $237,770 per year, or approximately $114 per hour. This is about 7.7% below the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for psychiatrists in Kentucky?
- Psychiatrist salaries in Kentucky range from a low of $74,200 to a high of $361,640 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and practice setting.
Is psychiatry a well-paid job in Kentucky compared to the US average?
- While psychiatrists in Kentucky earn a solid median of $237,770 annually, this is 7.7% lower than the national average. However, Kentucky psychiatrists still earn well above typical salaries in most other professions.
How many psychiatrists work in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 160 psychiatrists currently employed in Kentucky, representing a relatively small but established workforce in the state's mental health field.