Psychiatrist vs Registered Nurse salary
In United States, a psychiatrist earns about 198% more than a registered nurse — $301,000 vs $101,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Healthcare
Psychiatrist$301,000/yr
- Monthly
- $25,100
- Hourly
- $145
- Range
- $206,200–$416,900
- 10-yr outlook
- +8%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Psychiatrist | Registered Nurse |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $206,200 | $73,700 |
| 25th | $253,600 | $87,400 |
| Median | $301,000 | $101,000 |
| 75th | $358,900 | $117,700 |
| Senior (90th) | $416,900 | $134,300 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Healthcare comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a psychiatrist or registered nurse earn more in United States?
- A psychiatrist earns more, at about $301,000 per year vs $101,000 for a registered nurse — roughly 198% ($200,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A psychiatrist typically earns $206,200–$416,900, while a registered nurse earns $73,700–$134,300 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a psychiatrist averages about $25,100 and a registered nurse about $8,400.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a psychiatrist earns about $206,200 while a registered nurse earns about $73,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a psychiatrist earns about $416,900 while a registered nurse earns about $134,300 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.