Healthcare San Jose, CA Pop. 1,013,240

Psychiatrist Salary in San Jose, California

The median psychiatrist salary in San Jose, CA is $449,909 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median and 20.5% above the California state average.

City Median
$449,909
vs State Avg
+$76,689
vs National
+$194,279
Cost of Living
168%

Psychiatrist Pay in San Jose: What to Expect (2026)

San Jose offers a median psychiatrist salary of $449,909, which is $76,689 above the California state average of $373,220. Compared to the national median of $255,630, San Jose pays above average for this role.

However, San Jose's cost of living index is 168%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $449,909 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $267,803. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Jose should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for psychiatrists in San Jose spans from $211,200 at the 10th percentile to $704,000 at the 90th percentile — a $492,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $220,000, while senior psychiatrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $677,600. As a major metro area with a population of 1,013,240, San Jose typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Psychiatrist Salary in San Jose by Experience

In San Jose, an entry-level psychiatrist earns around $220,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $677,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$220,000
+$95,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$454,080
+$196,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$677,600
+$292,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Jose, CA

Percentile San Jose
10th Percentile $211,200
25th Percentile $308,000
Median (50th) $449,909
75th Percentile $580,800
90th Percentile $704,000

Psychiatrist Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$485,697
Pop. 873,965
Los Angeles, CA
$393,670
Pop. 3,898,747
San Diego, CA
$383,445
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$322,094
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a Psychiatrist in San Jose

Education

Most psychiatrist positions require a doctoral degree. San Jose 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 San Jose may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychiatrist Jobs in San Jose

Browse open psychiatrist positions in San Jose, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychiatrist Salary in San Jose

How much does a Psychiatrist make in San Jose, CA? ▼
The median psychiatrist salary in San Jose, California is $449,909 per year, which is 76.0% above the national median of $255,630. Salaries range from $211,200 (10th percentile) to $704,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychiatrist make per hour in San Jose? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $449,909, a psychiatrist in San Jose earns approximately $216 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Jose compare to the California state average for psychiatrist pay? ▼
San Jose's median psychiatrist salary of $449,909 is 20.5% above the California state average of $373,220. The local cost of living index is 168% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Jose, CA? ▼
San Jose has a cost of living index of 168% compared to the national average. This means a psychiatrist salary of $449,909 in San Jose has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychiatrist in San Jose? ▼
Most psychiatrist positions in San Jose 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.