Psychiatrist Salary in North Carolina
Based on 620+ workers in North Carolina
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$168,880
$81.19/hr
vs National Average
$257,685
-34.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$101K – $297K
620 employed in North Carolina
Salary Distribution — Psychiatrist in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $101,080 |
| 25th percentile | $133,240 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $168,880 |
| 75th percentile | $266,850 |
| 90th percentile | $297,250 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $216,000 |
| 2025 | $168,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $168,880 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $216,000 | $179,113 |
| 2025 | $168,880 | $257,685 |
| 2026 (projected) | $168,880 | $257,685 |
Psychiatrist Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $133,240 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $168,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $266,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $297,250 |
Psychiatrist Salary in Other States
Related Psychiatrist Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Psychiatrist ($168,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Psychiatrist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +135.9% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +100.9% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +71.6% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +33.0% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +27.6% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +27.4% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +22.6% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +8.7% | $88.25/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | -4.3% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | -17.8% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | -20.3% | $64.68/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NC | $129,360 | -23.4% | $62.19/hr |