Physician (General Practice) vs Psychiatrist: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Psychiatrist
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication and psychotherapy.
Psychiatrist earns more on average — the national median is $37,690/year (15%) higher than a Physician (General Practice). However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Physician (General Practice) vs Psychiatrist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Physician (General Practice) | Psychiatrist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $363,590 | $420,872 | Physician $57,282 |
| New York, NY | $294,372 | $344,472 | Physician $50,100 |
| Seattle, WA | $353,641 | $412,989 | Physician $59,348 |
| Austin, TX | $272,440 | $317,235 | Physician $44,795 |
| Chicago, IL | $255,595 | $294,561 | Physician $38,966 |
| Boston, MA | $311,219 | $362,959 | Physician $51,740 |
| London, UK | £101,944 | £219,355 | Physician $117,411 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$294,137 | CA$384,563 | Physician $90,426 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Physician (General Practice) or Psychiatrist earn more?+
A Psychiatrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Physician (General Practice) is $244,180/year, compared to $281,870/year for a Psychiatrist — a difference of $37,690 (15%).
Which has better career growth — Physician (General Practice) or Psychiatrist?+
Physician (General Practice) roles are growing at 5% YoY while Psychiatrist demand is growing at 18% YoY. Psychiatrist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Physician (General Practice) to Psychiatrist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Physician (General Practice) or Psychiatrist?+
Psychiatrist has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 10%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.