Pay by Role
New Zealand · Salary comparison

Physician Assistant vs Psychiatrist salary

In New Zealand, a psychiatrist earns about 89% more than a physician assistant — $275,790 vs $146,243 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Healthcare
Physician Assistant
$146,243/yr
Monthly
$12,206
Hourly
$70
Range
$106,746–$194,492
10-yr outlook
+27%
Pays more
Healthcare
Psychiatrist
$275,790/yr
Monthly
$22,973
Hourly
$132
Range
$188,907–$381,960
10-yr outlook
+8%

Pay range, side by side

PercentilePhysician AssistantPsychiatrist
Entry (10th)$106,746$188,907
25th$126,495$232,377
Median$146,243$275,790
75th$170,368$328,875
Senior (90th)$194,492$381,960

National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

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Frequently asked questions

Does a physician assistant or psychiatrist earn more in New Zealand?
A psychiatrist earns more, at about $479,000 per year vs $254,000 for a physician assistant — roughly 89% ($225,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
A physician assistant typically earns $185,400–$337,800, while a psychiatrist earns $328,100–$663,400 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
On a monthly basis before tax, a physician assistant averages about $21,200 and a psychiatrist about $39,900.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a physician assistant earns about $185,400 while a psychiatrist earns about $328,100 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a physician assistant earns about $337,800 while a psychiatrist earns about $663,400 per year.
Are physician assistant and psychiatrist similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.