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Psychiatrist Salary in San Diego, CA

How much does a psychiatrist make in San Diego? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for San Diego's cost of living.

Median Salary
$483,645
per year in San Diego
Entry Level
$274,799
Starting salary
Senior Level
$725,467
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
159
59% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how psychiatrist salaries break down across different pay periods in San Diego.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$274,799$483,645$725,467
Monthly$22,900$40,304$60,456
Biweekly$10,569$18,602$27,903
Weekly$5,285$9,301$13,951
Hourly$132$233$349

San Diego vs National Average

How San Diego's psychiatrist salaries compare to national figures.

San Diego Salary
$483,645
COL Index: 159
National Average
$237,640
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$246,005
Higher in San Diego

Cost of Living in San Diego

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,300
per month
Median Income
$69,845
per year
Population
1,423,851
residents
Rent % of Income
39.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 159 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in San Diego have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Psychiatrist

Overview

Diagnose and treat mental health conditions and provide medication management.

Education

Medical degree plus psychiatry residency training

Key Skills

Mental Health ExpertisePatient CareMedication ManagementTherapy

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Psychiatrist Salary

See Psychiatrist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$229,630
-53%
Los Angeles, CA
$504,937
+4%
Chicago, IL
$279,465
-42%
Houston, TX
$223,500
-54%
Phoenix, AZ
$237,046
-51%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a psychiatrist salary in San Diego.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Psychiatrist Salary in San Diego, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a psychiatrist in San Diego, CA is $483,645 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 159. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering San Diego's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level psychiatrist professionals in San Diego can expect to earn around $274,799 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level psychiatrists earning approximately $725,467 per year. This represents a 164% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

San Diego's cost of living index of 159 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in San Diego are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $237,640, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a psychiatrist's salary in San Diego typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,300 per month, housing represents about 5.7% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Psychiatrists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In San Diego, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.