Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. They work in hospitals, private practices, clinics, and psychiatric facilities, where they conduct evaluations, prescribe medications, and provide therapy or coordinate care with other mental health professionals.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against psychiatrists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A psychiatrist's week typically includes patient appointments lasting 30 to 60 minutes, during which they assess symptoms, review medical history, and adjust treatment plans. They spend time reviewing lab results and medication side effects, writing clinical notes, and consulting with other healthcare providers. Many psychiatrists also spend hours on administrative tasks, insurance documentation, and staying current with psychiatric research and treatment guidelines.
Who this work suits
Holland code ISC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be drawn to understanding how people think and why they behave as they do, and you find meaning in solving complex human problems. You work well with people from different backgrounds, listen carefully to their concerns, and have the patience and communication skills needed to build trust with vulnerable patients.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Physician - Psychiatrist · Veterans Health Administration · Multiple Locations · $276000–$315000
- Psychiatrist Supervisory Program Manager - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) · Veterans Health Administration · Seattle, Washington · $145000–$335000
- Chief, Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences (Psychiatrist) · Veterans Health Administration · Hampton, Virginia · $200000–$350000
- Chief of Mental Health Service Line (Psychiatrist) · Veterans Health Administration · Fayetteville, North Carolina · $300000–$350000
- Physician - Psychiatrist (Substance Use Disorders) · Veterans Health Administration · Kansas City, Missouri · $250000–$300000
- Psychiatrist (Primary Care Mental Health Integration) · Veterans Health Administration · Chesapeake, Virginia · $265000–$315000
- Psychiatrist - Physician (Regular Ft) · Veterans Health Administration · New Bedford, Massachusetts · $250000–$300000
- Medical Director Physician- Psychiatrist · Veterans Health Administration · Erie, Pennsylvania · $145000–$335000
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $173,990 | $353,500 | $414,640 | 5,420 |
| Louisiana | $215,770 | $345,040 | $373,130 | 90 |
| Alaska | $118,600 | $342,170 | $393,920 | 50 |
| Minnesota | $279,600 | $336,410 | $382,210 | 580 |
| Wisconsin | $196,700 | $331,070 | $349,230 | 550 |
| Connecticut | $135,190 | $326,670 | $404,850 | 560 |
| Florida | $179,670 | $316,200 | $474,250 | 1,930 |
| Oregon | $257,780 | $314,880 | $336,410 | 430 |
| Missouri | $260,600 | $312,680 | $466,780 | 240 |
| Maryland | $229,860 | $305,320 | $411,740 | 460 |
| Washington | $175,900 | $304,920 | $332,330 | 360 |
| Vermont | $221,000 | $302,770 | $409,950 | 80 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS) — American Academy of Health Care Providers in the Addictive Disorders
- Psychiatry — American Board of Physician Specialties
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) — National Association for Healthcare Quality
- Certification in Adolescent and Young Adult Psychiatry — American Board of Adolescent Psychiatry, Inc.
- Certification in Cognitive Therapy — Academy of Cognitive Therapy
- Primary Certification in Psychiatry — American Osteopathic Board of Neurology and Psychiatry
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against psychiatrists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-1223.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.