Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.
SOC: 29-1223.00
Common Job Titles
Child Psychiatrist
Outpatient Psychiatrist
Psychiatrist
Staff Psychiatrist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate psychiatric symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment outcomes using evidence-based assessment tools and clinical interviews with diverse patient populations.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate comprehensive treatment plans integrating psychopharmacology and psychotherapy independently in clinical settings, considering patient history, comorbidities, and safety concerns.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze complex biopsychosocial factors contributing to mental illness across multiple domains including neurobiology, psychology, and social determinants of health.
Advanced
MindsetIntegrate therapeutic alliance principles with psychiatric assessment when establishing trust and rapport with patients experiencing acute psychiatric crises.
Advanced
MindsetModel ethical practice standards and professional boundaries in complex clinical situations involving patient autonomy, involuntary commitment, and confidentiality.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize current psychiatric research and neuroscience findings to inform clinical decision-making and maintain evidence-based practice.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign psychopharmacological interventions monitoring therapeutic effects and managing medication side effects across psychiatric medication classes.
Advanced
MindsetAdvocate for patient-centered mental health care when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, families, and community resources.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess suicide risk and violent ideation in acute care settings, implementing appropriate crisis intervention and safety protocols.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform comprehensive mental status examinations documenting findings accurately in electronic medical record systems.
Proficient
MindsetBalance patient autonomy with safety imperatives when negotiating treatment adherence and involuntary intervention decisions.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret laboratory results, neuroimaging, and psychological testing to differentiate psychiatric conditions from medical etiologies and comorbid conditions.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Psychiatrists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
24,800
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $77,360. 25th percentile: U.S. $141,290. 50th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 75th percentile: U.S. $239,200. 90th percentile: U.S. $239,200. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$77,360
10% of workers earn the following or more
$239,200+
Workers on average earn
$269,120
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Therapy and Counseling4.9/5
Psychology4.9/5
Medicine and Dentistry4.8/5
English Language4.3/5
Biology3.8/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Epic Systems
MEDITECH software
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Word
eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
ADL Data Systems OptimumClinicals Electronic Health Record
