Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Psychiatrist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median psychiatrist salary in Chicago, IL is $278,637 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$278,637
vs State Avg
+$30,676
vs National
+$23,007
Cost of Living
107%

Psychiatrist Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median psychiatrist salary of $278,637, which is $30,676 above the Illinois state average of $247,961. Compared to the national median of $255,630, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for psychiatrists in Chicago spans from $130,800 at the 10th percentile to $436,000 at the 90th percentile — a $305,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $136,250, while senior psychiatrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $419,650. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Psychiatrist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level psychiatrist earns around $136,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $419,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$136,250
+$11,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$281,220
+$23,220 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$419,650
+$34,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $130,800
25th Percentile $190,750
Median (50th) $278,637
75th Percentile $359,700
90th Percentile $436,000

Psychiatrist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$281,193
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$247,961
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$222,398
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$214,729
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Psychiatrist in Chicago

Education

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

Find Psychiatrist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open psychiatrist positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychiatrist Salary in Chicago

How much does a Psychiatrist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median psychiatrist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $278,637 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $255,630. Salaries range from $130,800 (10th percentile) to $436,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychiatrist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $278,637, a psychiatrist in Chicago earns approximately $134 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for psychiatrist pay? ▼
Chicago's median psychiatrist salary of $278,637 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $247,961. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a psychiatrist salary of $278,637 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychiatrist in Chicago? ▼
Most psychiatrist positions in Chicago 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.