Psychiatrist Salary in Charleston, WV: $219,842 (2026)

Psychiatrist Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median psychiatrist salary of $219,842, which is $10,225 above the West Virginia state average of $209,617. Compared to the national median of $255,630, Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Charleston's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $219,842 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $249,820 in an average-cost city. This makes Charleston an attractive option for psychiatrists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for psychiatrists in Charleston spans from $103,200 at the 10th percentile to $344,000 at the 90th percentile — a $240,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $107,500, while senior psychiatrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $331,100. Charleston is a smaller market (pop. 48,006), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Psychiatrist Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level psychiatrist earns around $107,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $331,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$107,500

$-17,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$221,880

$-36,120 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$331,100

$-53,900 vs national

Percentile	Charleston	WV State	National
10th Percentile	$103,200	$98,400	$120,000
25th Percentile	$150,500	$143,500	$175,000
Median (50th)	$219,842	$209,617	$255,630
75th Percentile	$283,800	$270,600	$330,000
90th Percentile	$344,000	$328,000	$400,000

Percentile

Charleston

10th Percentile

$103,200

25th Percentile

$150,500

Median (50th)

$219,842

75th Percentile

$283,800

90th Percentile

$344,000

How to Become a Psychiatrist in Charleston

Education

Most psychiatrist positions require a doctoral degree. Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia 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 Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychiatrist Salary in Charleston

How much does a Psychiatrist make in Charleston, WV? ▼

The median psychiatrist salary in Charleston, West Virginia is $219,842 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $255,630. Salaries range from $103,200 (10th percentile) to $344,000 (90th percentile).

How much does a Psychiatrist make per hour in Charleston? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $219,842, a psychiatrist in Charleston earns approximately $106 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Charleston compare to the West Virginia state average for psychiatrist pay? ▼

Charleston's median psychiatrist salary of $219,842 is 4.9% above the West Virginia state average of $209,617. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Charleston, WV? ▼

Charleston has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a psychiatrist salary of $219,842 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a psychiatrist in Charleston? ▼

Most psychiatrist positions in Charleston 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.

Psychiatrist Salary in Charleston, West Virginia