Healthcare Sacramento, CA Pop. 524,943

Psychiatrist Salary in Sacramento, California

The median psychiatrist salary in Sacramento, CA is $322,094 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median and 13.7% below the California state average.

City Median
$322,094
vs State Avg
$-51,126
vs National
+$66,464
Cost of Living
118%

Psychiatrist Pay in Sacramento: What to Expect (2026)

Sacramento offers a median psychiatrist salary of $322,094, which is $51,126 below the California state average of $373,220. Compared to the national median of $255,630, Sacramento pays above average for this role.

However, Sacramento's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $322,094 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $272,961. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Sacramento should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for psychiatrists in Sacramento spans from $151,200 at the 10th percentile to $504,000 at the 90th percentile — a $352,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $157,500, while senior psychiatrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $485,100. As a major metro area with a population of 524,943, Sacramento typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Psychiatrist Salary in Sacramento by Experience

In Sacramento, an entry-level psychiatrist earns around $157,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $485,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$157,500
+$32,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$325,080
+$67,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$485,100
+$100,100 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Sacramento, CA

Percentile Sacramento
10th Percentile $151,200
25th Percentile $220,500
Median (50th) $322,094
75th Percentile $415,800
90th Percentile $504,000

Psychiatrist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$485,697
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$449,909
Pop. 1,013,240
Los Angeles, CA
$393,670
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$383,445
Pop. 1,386,932

How to Become a Psychiatrist in Sacramento

Education

Most psychiatrist positions require a doctoral degree. Sacramento and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychiatryPsychopharmacologyCBT/DBTDiagnosisPatient AssessmentDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychiatrist employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Sacramento may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychiatrist Jobs in Sacramento

Browse open psychiatrist positions in Sacramento, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychiatrist Salary in Sacramento

How much does a Psychiatrist make in Sacramento, CA? ▼
The median psychiatrist salary in Sacramento, California is $322,094 per year, which is 26.0% above the national median of $255,630. Salaries range from $151,200 (10th percentile) to $504,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychiatrist make per hour in Sacramento? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $322,094, a psychiatrist in Sacramento earns approximately $155 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Sacramento compare to the California state average for psychiatrist pay? ▼
Sacramento's median psychiatrist salary of $322,094 is 13.7% below the California state average of $373,220. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Sacramento, CA? ▼
Sacramento has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a psychiatrist salary of $322,094 in Sacramento has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychiatrist in Sacramento? ▼
Most psychiatrist positions in Sacramento require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychiatry, Psychopharmacology, CBT/DBT, Diagnosis. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.