Psychiatrist vs Registered Nurse salary
In New Zealand, a psychiatrist earns about 196% more than a registered nurse — $275,790 vs $93,273 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
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Healthcare
Psychiatrist$275,790/yr
- Monthly
- $22,973
- Hourly
- $132
- Range
- $188,907–$381,960
- 10-yr outlook
- +8%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Psychiatrist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $188,907 | $68,113 |
| 25th | $232,377 | $80,664 |
| Median | $275,790 | $93,273 |
| 75th | $328,875 | $108,646 |
| Senior (90th) | $381,960 | $124,077 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a psychiatrist or registered nurse earn more in New Zealand?
- A psychiatrist earns more, at about $479,000 per year vs $162,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 196% ($317,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A psychiatrist typically earns $328,100–$663,400, while a registered nurse earns $118,300–$215,500 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a psychiatrist averages about $39,900 and a registered nurse about $13,500.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a psychiatrist earns about $328,100 while a registered nurse earns about $118,300 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a psychiatrist earns about $663,400 while a registered nurse earns about $215,500 per year.
- Are psychiatrist and registered nurse 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.