Healthcare California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Psychiatrist Salary in California

The median psychiatrist salary in California is $373,220 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $255,630.

Median Salary
$373,220
vs National
+$117,590
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Psychiatrist Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level psychiatrist earns around $182,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $562,100 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$182,500
+$57,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$376,680
+$118,680 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$562,100
+$177,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $175,200
25th Percentile $255,500
Median (50th) $373,220
75th Percentile $481,800
90th Percentile $584,000

Psychiatrist Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for psychiatrists in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Los Angeles, CA
$393,670
Pop. 3,898,747 · COL 146%
San Francisco, CA
$485,697
Pop. 873,965 · COL 182%
San Diego, CA
$383,445
Pop. 1,386,932 · COL 142%
San Jose, CA
$449,909
Pop. 1,013,240 · COL 168%
Sacramento, CA
$322,094
Pop. 524,943 · COL 118%

How to Become a Psychiatrist in California

Education

Most psychiatrist positions require a doctoral degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychiatryPsychopharmacologyCBT/DBTDiagnosisPatient AssessmentDocumentation

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, psychiatrist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Psychiatrist Jobs in California

Browse open psychiatrist positions in California:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychiatrist Salary in California

How much does a Psychiatrist make in California? ▼
The median psychiatrist salary in California is $373,220 per year, which is 46.0% above the national median of $255,630. Salaries range from $175,200 (10th percentile) to $584,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychiatrist make per hour in California? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $373,220, a psychiatrist in California earns approximately $179 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is California a good state for psychiatrists? ▼
California ranks #2 out of 50 states for psychiatrist pay. The cost of living index is 138% of the national average. Entry-level psychiatrists earn $182,500, while senior professionals earn $562,100.
How does California compare to other states for psychiatrist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for psychiatrists is Hawaii at $455,021. California's median of $373,220 ranks #2 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($455,021) and Massachusetts ($365,551).
What is the entry-level psychiatrist salary in California? ▼
An entry-level psychiatrist in California earns approximately $182,500 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $376,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $562,100.
What city in California pays psychiatrists the most? ▼
San Francisco is the highest paying city in California for psychiatrists, with a median salary of $485,697. Other cities include Los Angeles and San Diego.