FAQ
Psychiatrist FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a psychiatrist.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a psychiatrist: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about psychiatrists
What’s the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are physicians who can prescribe medication; psychologists hold doctorates in psychology and focus on testing and therapy.
How long is training?
About 12 years after high school.
Can psychiatrists work remotely?
Many practice partly or fully by telehealth.
How much does a psychiatrist make?
The median annual wage for psychiatrists was $281,870 ($135.51 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $84,060 and the highest 10% earned more than $446,520.
How long does it take to become a psychiatrist?
Most people need about 12 years after high school of training. Medical school plus a four-year psychiatry residency are required, along with a license and board certification.
Do you need a degree to be a psychiatrist?
Yes. BLS lists a doctoral or professional degree as the typical entry-level education, and you also need a state license to practice.
Is psychiatrist a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +7.2% from 2025–35 (much faster than average), with about 900 openings each year. Upsides include high demand; a common challenge is that emotionally heavy work.
What skills does a psychiatrist need?
Key technical skills include psychiatric assessment, psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, and risk assessment. Employers also value empathy, listening, and boundaries.
What certifications are available for psychiatrists?
Common credentials include ABPN psychiatry certification, State medical license, Child and adolescent psychiatry certification, and Addiction psychiatry certification. Physicians need a state medical license after licensing exams and residency.
Still deciding?
Try the Psychiatrist fit quiz, compare with Marriage and Family Therapist, or explore Psychiatrist training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-1223 (Psychiatrists).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Psychiatrists (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.