Pay by Role
New Zealand · Salary comparison

Physician vs Psychiatrist salary

In New Zealand, a psychiatrist earns about 38% more than a physician $275,790 vs $200,365 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
$200,365/yr
Monthly
$16,697
Hourly
$96
Range
$128,222$288,514
10-yr outlook
+3%
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

PercentilePhysicianPsychiatrist
Entry (10th)$128,222$188,907
25th$164,322$232,377
Median$200,365$275,790
75th$244,468$328,875
Senior (90th)$288,514$381,960

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

More Healthcare comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a physician or psychiatrist earn more in New Zealand?
A psychiatrist earns more, at about $479,000 per year vs $348,000 for a physician — roughly 38% ($131,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
A physician typically earns $222,700–$501,100, 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 averages about $29,000 and a psychiatrist about $39,900.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a physician earns about $222,700 while a psychiatrist earns about $328,100 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a physician earns about $501,100 while a psychiatrist earns about $663,400 per year.
Are physician 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.