A child psychiatrist provides diagnosis and treatment for children with psychological, behavior disorders. In the US, child psychiatrists earn an annual salary of about $207,994 compared to C$182,999 ($132,288 USD) in Canada and NZ$163,000 ($110,400 USD) in New Zealand. When converted to the US dollar, salaries in Australia and UK are similar at AU$120,000 ($87,001 USD) and £83,433 ($78,922 USD), respectively. As we can see, a child psychiatrist salary will vary based on the country in which this medical professional is employed. In this guide, we will be looking at other factors that influence the earning of child psychiatrists, including professional experience, and work setting.
How Much Does a Child Psychiatrist Make?
Annual salaries and their USD equivalent for select countries are provided in the chart below.
| Child Psychiatrist Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand |
| Annual Salary | $207,994 | C$183,000 ($132,288) | £83,433 ($103,365) | AU$120,000 ($91,717) | NZ$163,000 ($110,400) |
Child psychiatrists’ salaries are strong worldwide, but there are variances in earnings based on geographic region, professional experience, and work setting. The following paragraphs include data available through Payscale.com, the US Bureau of Labor of Statistics, and country-specific employment boards on global salary ranges. We will also be looking at job outlook and bonuses one could expect working as a child psychiatrist.
1. How Much Does a Child Psychiatrist Make by Country?
Child Psychiatrist Salary in the US
Child psychiatrists entering a career in the US can expect a starting salary of about $130,000 per year. Earnings increase over the next five to 10 years to a salary of about $207,994. With additional experience and responsibility, incomes can exceed $264,000 per year. There are opportunities to further increase earnings with the potential for bonus income in excess of $48,000 per year. Those employed in Maine, Oregon, and Idaho earn the highest incomes, exceeding the national average by 12%, 10%, and 5%, respectively.
Child Psychiatrist Salary in Canada
In Canada, the annual income is about C$183,000 for child psychiatrists. The starting salary for entry-level child psychiatrists is about C$130,000 per year. Earnings steadily increase throughout one’s career, reaching more than C$270,000 annually. According to the Canada Medical Association, about 61% of child psychiatrists in Canada work in health centers or hospitals, followed by 32% who work in private practices. Those employed in private practice earn about 36% more than the national average.
Child Psychiatrist Salary in the UK
The starting salary for entry-level child psychiatrists in the UK is about £38,000 compared to the median annual salary of £83,433. Consultants with the most experience and responsibility earn about £120,000 per year. High cost of living supplements are commonly offered to those employed in and nearby London in both public and private sector organizations.
Child Psychiatrist Salary in Australia
In Australia, child psychiatrists earn about AU$120,000 per year. The starting salary for entry level professionals is about AU$90,000 per year. With experience and additional responsibility, annual earnings can reach AU$210,000.
Child Psychiatrist Salary in New Zealand
Early career child psychiatrists who work for the District Health Board in New Zealand earn between NZ$70,000 and NZ$175,000 per year. With experience, earnings increase and range from NZ$151,000 to NZ$212,000 annually. Those who work in the private sector earn significantly more and can reach as much as NZ$600,000. There is a shortage of psychiatrists in New Zealand due to a growing population and an aging workforce. About one-third of specialty physicians will probably retire within the next decade. These figures include psychiatrists in general. Extra pay is offered to graduates willing to work in underserved areas that are difficult to staff, such as rural areas.
2. How Much Does a Child Psychiatrist Make According to Experience?
Global salaries increase significantly with experience. In the US where salaries are the highest among the countries reviewed in this guide, earnings increase more than $134,000 annually, or 103%, above the average starting salary. The difference between entry level and senior level pay in Canada is $140,000 per year, representing an increase of 108%, and $120,000 per year, or 133%, in Australia. The largest percent increase in income is found in UK at 216%, or £82,000 per year.
3. How Much Does a Child Psychiatrist Make According to Work Environment?
Most child psychiatrists work in hospitals, outpatient care centers, and in private practice. Those employed in residential care facilities earn the highest incomes. Child psychiatrists working in this setting earn about 7% more than those employed in outpatient care centers, 20% more than those working in a physician office and 47% more than those employed in a university or higher education setting.
Working Hours
Most child psychiatrists work full-time hours, primarily during business hours from Monday through Friday. Work hours may span seven days a week at any time of day for those working in hospital settings where 24-hour care is provided. Outpatient care and private practice professionals may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, to accommodate patient schedules and especially in emergency or crisis situations.
Some psychiatrists work independently with patients or conducting research, while others may be part of a collaborative treatment team that includes social workers, teachers, and parents, which can influence required work hours. Many who work in child psychiatry indicate a high level of job satisfaction; however, there are times of stress due to working with children experiencing mental health disorders and conditions.
Bonuses and Benefits
A full healthcare package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage is typically provided to child psychiatrists; however, those self-employed in private practice may be responsible for paying their own healthcare benefits. Some employers offer bonus pay that can further increase earnings; however, this is likely more common for those employed in for-profit hospitals and health centers rather than nonprofit organizations. Paid holiday, vacation, and sick time is often provided by employers in the private and public sector.
Career Prospects
Career opportunities are positive for those entering a career in child psychiatry. Many of the current child psychiatrists will likely retire within the next decade or so. And a greater awareness of mental health issues and treatment is causing an increased need in skilled child psychiatrists.
As a result, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 19% growth in the field of psychiatry, including child psychiatrists. To practice as a child psychiatrist, an undergraduate bachelor’s degree is necessary. Then you must follow this with a Doctor of Medicine degree. All in all, education and training takes about 12 years to complete. Licensure and registration with the appropriate governing body of the state or federal level is also mandatory. And you must continue your medical education and training throughout your career, to maintain your license.
Conclusion
Child psychiatrists earn high salaries worldwide. Earnings reflect the level of education and training necessary for a career in psychiatry. Future job outlook is positive with a growing awareness of mental health treatment. Add to this the fact that many current child psychiatrists will retire in the near future. Thus, a great number of jobs will be left unfilled. Those employed in the child psychiatry field indicate a high level of job satisfaction. In addition, they receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, bonus pay, and paid time off for vacation, holidays, and sickness.