Healthcare Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Psychiatrist Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median psychiatrist salary in Denver, CO is $291,418 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median and 6.5% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$291,418
vs State Avg
+$17,894
vs National
+$35,788
Cost of Living
112%

Psychiatrist Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median psychiatrist salary of $291,418, which is $17,894 above the Colorado state average of $273,524. Compared to the national median of $255,630, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $291,418 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $260,195. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for psychiatrists in Denver spans from $136,800 at the 10th percentile to $456,000 at the 90th percentile — a $319,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $142,500, while senior psychiatrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $438,900. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Psychiatrist Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level psychiatrist earns around $142,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $438,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$142,500
+$17,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$294,120
+$36,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$438,900
+$53,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $136,800
25th Percentile $199,500
Median (50th) $291,418
75th Percentile $376,200
90th Percentile $456,000

Psychiatrist Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a Psychiatrist in Denver

Education

Most psychiatrist positions require a doctoral degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychiatrist Jobs in Denver

Browse open psychiatrist positions in Denver, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychiatrist Salary in Denver

How much does a Psychiatrist make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median psychiatrist salary in Denver, Colorado is $291,418 per year, which is 14.0% above the national median of $255,630. Salaries range from $136,800 (10th percentile) to $456,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychiatrist make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $291,418, a psychiatrist in Denver earns approximately $140 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for psychiatrist pay? ▼
Denver's median psychiatrist salary of $291,418 is 6.5% above the Colorado state average of $273,524. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a psychiatrist salary of $291,418 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychiatrist in Denver? ▼
Most psychiatrist positions in Denver 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.