Psychiatrist vs Veterinarian: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Psychiatrist
Diagnose and treat mental health disorders using medication and psychotherapy.
Veterinarian
Diagnose and treat illness and injury in companion animals and livestock.
Psychiatrist earns more on average — the national median is $146,082/year (108%) higher than a Veterinarian. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Psychiatrist vs Veterinarian — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Psychiatrist | Veterinarian | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $420,872 | $194,106 | Psychiatrist +$226,766 |
| New York, NY | $344,472 | $161,125 | Psychiatrist +$183,347 |
| Seattle, WA | $412,989 | $198,083 | Psychiatrist +$214,906 |
| Austin, TX | $317,235 | $153,696 | Psychiatrist +$163,539 |
| Chicago, IL | $294,561 | $146,633 | Psychiatrist +$147,928 |
| Boston, MA | $362,959 | $172,898 | Psychiatrist +$190,061 |
| London, UK | £219,355 | £107,404 | Psychiatrist +$111,951 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$384,563 | CA$183,478 | Psychiatrist +$201,085 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Psychiatrist or Veterinarian earn more?+
A Psychiatrist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Psychiatrist is $281,870/year, compared to $135,788/year for a Veterinarian — a difference of $146,082 (108%).
Which has better career growth — Psychiatrist or Veterinarian?+
Psychiatrist roles are growing at 18% YoY while Veterinarian demand is growing at 19% YoY. Veterinarian has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Psychiatrist to Veterinarian?+
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 — Psychiatrist or Veterinarian?+
Psychiatrist has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 12%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.