Healthcare Columbia, MD Pop. 104,681

Psychiatrist Salary in Columbia, Maryland

The median psychiatrist salary in Columbia, MD is $311,869 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 7.0% above the Maryland state average.

City Median
$311,869
vs State Avg
+$20,451
vs National
+$56,239
Cost of Living
118%

Psychiatrist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median psychiatrist salary of $311,869, which is $20,451 above the Maryland state average of $291,418. Compared to the national median of $255,630, Columbia pays above average for this role.

However, Columbia's cost of living index is 118%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $311,869 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $264,296. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Columbia should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for psychiatrists in Columbia spans from $146,400 at the 10th percentile to $488,000 at the 90th percentile — a $341,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $152,500, while senior psychiatrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $469,700. With a population of 104,681, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Psychiatrist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level psychiatrist earns around $152,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $469,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$152,500
+$27,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$314,760
+$56,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$469,700
+$84,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, MD

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $146,400
25th Percentile $213,500
Median (50th) $311,869
75th Percentile $402,600
90th Percentile $488,000

Psychiatrist Salary in Other Maryland Cities

Silver Spring, MD
$322,094
Pop. 81,015
Germantown, MD
$304,200
Pop. 90,676
Baltimore, MD
$286,306
Pop. 585,708
Waldorf, MD
$278,637
Pop. 77,000

How to Become a Psychiatrist in Columbia

Education

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

Find Psychiatrist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open psychiatrist positions in Columbia, MD:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychiatrist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Psychiatrist make in Columbia, MD? ▼
The median psychiatrist salary in Columbia, Maryland is $311,869 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $255,630. Salaries range from $146,400 (10th percentile) to $488,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychiatrist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $311,869, a psychiatrist in Columbia earns approximately $150 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the Maryland state average for psychiatrist pay? ▼
Columbia's median psychiatrist salary of $311,869 is 7.0% above the Maryland state average of $291,418. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, MD? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a psychiatrist salary of $311,869 in Columbia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychiatrist in Columbia? ▼
Most psychiatrist positions in Columbia 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.