Psychiatrists vs. Registered Nurses: Who Earns More?
Psychiatristss out-earn Registered Nursess by $184K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Psychiatristss land at $281,870 and Registered Nursess at $97,550. The education gap is real: psychiatrist programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while registered nurse programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Psychiatristss is California ($353,500); for Registered Nursess it's California ($140,270).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Psychiatrists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Psychiatristss or Registered Nursess?
Psychiatristss earn more nationally. The median is $281,870 for Psychiatristss versus $97,550 for Registered Nursess, a difference of $184K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Psychiatrists or Registered Nurses?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Psychiatrists or Registered Nurses?
Psychiatrists typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Registered Nurses requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Psychiatristss get paid the most?
California is the top-paying state for Psychiatristss at $353,500/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Psychiatrists vs. Registered Nurses pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Psychiatristss earn $353,500 vs. $140,270 for Registered Nursess. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.