Psychiatrists: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Psychiatrists fall under the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical category in the U.S. occupational classification. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +6.1% job growth through 2034, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree followed by a master's or doctoral degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do psychiatrists earn?

BLS does not publish a current median annual wage for psychiatrists, which usually means the occupation is small, niche, or reported only as part of a broader category. For pay context, check the parent SOC group or O*NET's wage-by-state tables.

Is psychiatrists a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for psychiatrists is +6.1%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 27K positions in 2024 to 28K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What do psychiatrists do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working psychiatrists, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.
2. 2.Analyze and evaluate patient data or test findings to diagnose nature or extent of mental disorder.
3. 3.Examine or conduct laboratory or diagnostic tests on patients to provide information on general physical condition or mental disorder.
4. 4.Counsel outpatients or other patients during office visits.
5. 5.Prepare and submit case reports or summaries to government or mental health agencies.
6. 6.Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.
7. 7.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.
8. 8.Review and evaluate treatment procedures and outcomes of other psychiatrists or medical professionals.

Top skills for psychiatrists

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become psychiatrist?

Becoming a psychiatrist typically requires a bachelor's degree followed by a master's, doctoral, or professional degree, plus state licensure or board certification depending on specialty. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

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• Pediatricians, General
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Common questions parents ask about psychiatrists