What Does it Take to Be a Psychiatrist?
Psychiatrist Definition Physicians who diagnose, treat, and help prevent disorders of the mind.
Life As a Psychiatrist: What Do They Do?
- Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.
- Analyze and evaluate patient data or test findings to diagnose nature or extent of mental disorder.
- Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.
- Counsel outpatients or other patients during office visits.
- Serve on committees to promote or maintain community mental health services or delivery systems.
- Teach, take continuing education classes, attend conferences or seminars, or conduct research and publish findings to increase understanding of mental, emotional, or behavioral states or disorders.
Featured schools near , edit
What Every Psychiatrist Should Know
These are the skills Psychiatrists say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Child Psychiatrist
- Doctor
- Outpatient Psychiatrist
- Geriatric Psychiatrist
- Medical Director
Psychiatrist Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 27,500 jobs for Psychiatrist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 11.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 3,100 new jobs for Psychiatrist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,100 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Psychiatrist are Arizona, Colorado, and Arkansas. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Vermont, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Psychiatrists Salary
The salary for Psychiatrists ranges between about $75,590 and $208,000 a year.

Psychiatrists who work in Alaska, Arizona, or California, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Psychiatrists in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $166,220 |
Alaska | $222,310 |
Arizona | $240,660 |
Arkansas | $153,920 |
California | $255,790 |
Colorado | $234,860 |
Connecticut | $258,200 |
District of Columbia | $167,190 |
Florida | $195,400 |
Georgia | $231,410 |
Hawaii | $269,800 |
Illinois | $251,390 |
Indiana | $243,630 |
Iowa | $211,870 |
Kansas | $226,090 |
Kentucky | $210,680 |
Louisiana | $120,090 |
Maine | $256,270 |
Maryland | $215,000 |
Massachusetts | $194,220 |
Michigan | $212,030 |
Minnesota | $250,550 |
Mississippi | $221,060 |
Missouri | $240,300 |
Montana | $167,370 |
Nebraska | $240,180 |
Nevada | $214,980 |
New Hampshire | $212,710 |
New Jersey | $245,990 |
New Mexico | $255,410 |
New York | $208,750 |
North Carolina | $189,190 |
North Dakota | $196,410 |
Ohio | $194,700 |
Oklahoma | $183,930 |
Oregon | $242,020 |
Pennsylvania | $232,990 |
Rhode Island | $224,440 |
South Carolina | $226,120 |
Tennessee | $195,670 |
Texas | $204,480 |
Utah | $145,700 |
Vermont | $186,400 |
Virginia | $198,810 |
Washington | $245,990 |
West Virginia | $166,400 |
Wisconsin | $186,200 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Psychiatrists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Psychiatrists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- MEDITECH software
- Epic Systems
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
- Practice management software PMS
- Texas Medical Software SpringCharts EMR
- Allscripts Sunrise Clinical Manager
- ICANotes
- Cerner ProFile
- Epic EpicCare Inpatient Clinical System
- Integrated Systems Management OmniMD
- Netsmart Technologies Avatar Clinical Workstation CWS
- MEDITECH Behavioral Health Clinicals
- ADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health Record
- Advantage Software Psych Advantage
Becoming a Psychiatrist
Individuals working as a Psychiatrist have obtained the following education levels:

How many years of work experience do I need?

Psychiatrists Sector

Below are examples of industries where Psychiatrists work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |