Psychiatrist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina
The median psychiatrist salary in Columbia, SC is $230,067 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.
Psychiatrist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median psychiatrist salary of $230,067, which is $2,556 above the South Carolina state average of $227,511. Compared to the national median of $255,630, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.
Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $108,000 at the 10th percentile to $360,000 at the 90th percentile — a $252,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $112,500, while senior psychiatrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $346,500. With a population of 131,674, 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 $112,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $346,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $108,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $157,500 |
| Median (50th) | $230,067 |
| 75th Percentile | $297,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $360,000 |
Psychiatrist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities
How to Become a Psychiatrist in Columbia
Education
Most psychiatrist positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
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, SC: