25 Best States For Psychiatrists

Lay down on the couch it’s time for the best states for psychiatrists. I have two good friends who are psychiatrists. They are also married. They also have twins. They are really on a roll–I mean, what do YOU think? I’m sure if they didn’t live internationally they might be wondering where is the best place to put down roots–as well as get to the root of one’s underlying mental health issues.

Well, that’s the thing though–a common misconception. Psychiatrists aren’t the ones who help you get to the root of the problem. They are the ones who prescribe the drugs. Psychologists are the ones who help you talk about, analyze and find coping strategies for your problems, all in all, to get better or better able to live with whatever you’re trying to figure out. Again, psychiatrists are also a part of this–just not the part most people think they are, they don’t do the talking–they are the ones who prescribe the drugs. If you and your psychologist think a medicine might help you–they will refer you to a psychiatrist.

It’s all a bit confusing and is why I refer to my psychologist as my “shrink” and my psychiatrist as my “medicine doctor,” to my friends and family. Even though it makes psychiatrists sound very spiritual and new age–almost like I’m going to a mental health shaman–it actually helps keep away the confusion. If you are a psychiatrist, or training to become one, you already know all of these things. What you may not know is where is the best place to call home. Well, we’ve got the list for you. You may also be interested in the 25 Best States For Pharmacists.

In looking for the 25 best states for psychiatrists, we had to consider three equally important values. First is the annual median wage offered by each state, since the wages usually top our deciding factors when it comes to looking for a job. Second, we considered the employment rates of each state to know how much they need psychiatrists in their area. This will usually determine how challenging it would be to get a job in that state. Lastly, we also searched about the cost of living expenses for each state. This will give you a concrete idea of what to expect from your salary since knowing how much you have to spend on your basic needs will let you know about your would-be net pay.

The data about each state’s annual median wages and employment rates for psychiatrists were sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. On the other hand, the information on each state’s cost of living rates was derived from the Missouri Economic and Research Information Center.

Continue reading to know more about the 25 best states for psychiatrists with Georgia.

25. Pennsylvania

Annual median wage: $177,220

Cost of living: 102.8

Employment: 940

Pennsylvania isn’t only a great place for psychiatrists, it is also a great state for those who are still aspiring to be psychiatrists. The University of Pennsylvania is known for its high-quality medical programs, including psychiatry.

24. Illinois

Annual median wage: $126,340

Cost of living: 95.5

Employment: 1,000

Illinois’ claim to fame is its bustling city of Chicago, known for having most of the best job opportunities for almost every occupation known in America. The state is famous for having a lot of the Fortune 500 companies, resulting in impressively high employment rates, even for psychiatrists.

23. Florida

Annual median wage: $171,240

Cost of living: 99

Employment: 790

Florida’s population is one of the country’s fastest rising populations. There could be varying reasons why people move to The Sunshine State. Apart from the lovely weather they have all year, they also boast of low living expenses and plenty of jobs. Recreational attractions also abound in Florida, making it such a great place to call home, especially when you have kids.

22. Missouri

Annual median wage: $145,290

Cost of living: 90.8

Employment: 420

Nicknamed “The Show Me State,” Missouri truly has a lot to offer apart from its popular cheap living expenses. The state is also popular for having a diverse geography–one with rivers, plains, and mountains. Outdoor folks would have a field day in Missouri’s trails and parks. For psychiatrists, the high wages and decent employment rates would probably be convincing enough.

21. Kansas

Annual median wage: $193,530

Cost of living: 90.4

Employment: 160

Otherwise known as “America’s Breadbasket,” Kansas is also known for its unbelievably low cost of living expenses. Its main industry is agriculture, thus the nickname, but also has strong energy and aerospace industries. The wages they offer don’t usually go past the average, given its nature of being a cheap state to live in; but psychiatrists get to enjoy higher wages than most of America. Forests and mountains also come plenty in Kansas, which means adventure and fun for those who love the outdoors.

20. Alabama

Annual median wage: $161,910

Cost of living: 91.2

Employment: 440

Like other affordable American states, Alabama has a huge share of terrains and forests to explore. Apart from seriously beautiful nature parks, the state also boasts of strong businesses specializing in aerospace, mining, agriculture, and so much more. Alabama has one of the best climates in the country as well. With its low cost of living and relatively high wages for psychiatrists, the state holds so much promise for this professionals, and is definitely one of the best states for psychiatrists.

19. Colorado

Annual median wage: $205,090

Cost of living: 102.1

Employment: 450

Colorado, that’s up next in our list of best states for psychiatrists is almost everybody’s idea of a perfect outdoor adventure–ski slopes, canyons, hiking trails, and so much more. The state has an amazing landscape, to say the least. They also boast of high wages for their professionals, and a cost of living rate that doesn’t stray too far from the average. Employment rates tend to hover around the average as well, not too high but not too low to disappoint you.

18. Connecticut

Annual median wage: $213,620

Cost of living: 130.7

Employment: 800

Connecticut’s living expenses pretty much rival that of California’s. Both states are known for their high cost of living rates, although they both compensate that fact with their high wages. Connecticut is also known for having the highest per capita income in the country, which explains why more and more people are moving there. They don’t skimp on their job opportunities, too.

17. Virginia

Annual median wage: $193,920

Cost of living: 100.2

Employment: 750

Up next in our list of best states for psychiatrists we have this state that has the highest concentration of technology workers in the US. They also have a high number of universities and colleges where you can take up medical programs if you aspire to be a psychiatrist. Virginia’s employment rates for these professionals rank tenth-highest. With their average cost of living expenses, any wage would most definitely be enough to support a comfortable life in the state.

16. Iowa

Annual median wage: $224,860

Cost of living: 91.7

Employment: 90

We are continuing our list of best states for psychiatrists with this state that is known in the US as one of the safest places you can live in, apart from also being one of the most affordable. People flock in Iowa not only because it’s safe and cheap, but also because of its stable business and economic developments. Psychiatrists will also enjoy their high wages here since it ranks seventh-highest in the country. Imagine how much you can take home from your wage, considering how cheap utility costs are in Iowa.

15. Wyoming

Annual median wage: $240,890

Cost of living: 91.7

Employment: 40

There’s more to Wyoming apart from its majestic mountains and breathtaking prairies. The state also has a booming economy that is on its way to an even better stability, thanks to its strongest industries that include energy and mineral extraction. Wyoming has low cost of living expenses, we all have heard of that for sure. What’s surprising is how the state offers the second-highest wages for psychiatrists in America. How’s that for a wages-expenses balance?

14. Tennessee

Annual median wage: $194,000

Cost of living: 89.8

Employment: 190

Apart from country music and their low living expenses, there are other things to love about Tennessee. The state is known for its bustling urban centers, which just show how well their economy is doing recently. The wages they have for psychiatrists do not reach the national average, but are honestly big enough to get you a decent home and great meals when you choose to get a job in Tennessee.

13. Wisconsin

Annual median wage: $208,550

Cost of living: 96.9

Employment: 330

With healthcare as one of its major industries driving the state’s economy, Wisconsin sure is one of the best states for psychiatrists. Offering wages past the $200,000 mark would already convince people to move there and get a job. Wait until you see how cheap their living expenses are. The state also has a lot of employment opportunities for people working in manufacturing and information technology.

12. Minnesota

Annual median wage: $216,760

Cost of living: 101.1

Employment: 380

Known as the home of the twin cities, Minnesota, the next one in our list of best states for psychiatrists truly gives you the pleasure of being in the best of both worlds. Living in Minnesota means having access to big city life and small town charms. There are plenty of outdoor attractions and urban amenities to keep you occupied when not at work. In the context of psychiatrists, Minnesota has a good balance between income and expenses, as seen in their statistics above.

11. New Jersey

Annual median wage: $217,690

Cost of living: 121

Employment: 740

Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of the city or the quietness of the countryside, you’re certain to follow your heart in New Jersey. They have diverse housing options you can choose from, and you wouldn’t have a problem when it comes to job opportunities as they have one of the most stable economies in the US. Plus, being a subway’s ride away from New York would give you, even more, employment chances.

10. Arizona

Annual median wage: $197,540

Cost of living: 98.1

Employment: 590

Arizona ranks 10th in our list of best states for psychiatrists. It has beautiful landscapes that are usually used as backdrops in Hollywood movies. Apart from being constantly surrounded by nature’s beauty, living in Arizona lets you enjoy tons of employment opportunities, high-quality education systems, and low living expenses. If you’re a psychiatrist, you’ll probably have a great time working here where you get to earn more than most, without having to spend so much on your basic needs.

9. Mississippi

Annual median wage: $222,040

Cost of living: 86

Employment: 90

Known to be the most affordable state to live in the US, there’s more to Mississippi apart from its low cost of living and its great climate that stays lovely all year long. For psychiatrists, this state is a safe choice since the cheap living expenses really complement their high wages. The employment opportunities might be a little challenging, but when you know you’re good and passionate in what you do, why should it bother you?

8. California

Annual median wage: $250,090

Cost of living: 134.8

Employment: 3,160

California did it again! Ranking the highest in both wages and employment rates for psychiatrists, there is no doubt that these professionals should go get a job in The Golden State. The cost of living expenses are so high, that is a known fact, but with proper budget management, who says you can’t survive California? Plus, the beautiful beaches and amazing attractions are just so good to just pass you by. And now, let’s see what else we have in our list of best states for psychiatrists.

7. Michigan

Annual median wage: $174,180

Cost of living: 88.2

Employment: 700

Tourists flock to Michigan because of its popular craft beer industry, while people move there for good because of their low cost of living rates. Michigan is also famous for its mountains and forests, where enthusiasts have a great time hunting and hiking. They also have quite a high number of job opportunities available for various occupations, including psychiatrists.

6. Kentucky

Annual median wage: $227,890

Cost of living: 90.8

Employment: 180

Known as one of America’s cheapest state to live in, the number 6 in our list of best states for psychiatrists was a pleasant surprise how Kentucky had the sixth-highest wages for psychiatrists. Despite their low employment rates for these professionals, the balance they have between income and expenses is truly astounding. It is quite rare for an American state to have low living expenses but wages reaching even higher than the national average.

5. North Carolina

Annual median wage: $214,300

Cost of living: 94.2

Employment: 570

Up next in our list of best states for psychiatrists is North Carolina that capitalizes on tourism with its long line of beaches and other outdoor attractions loved by locals and tourists alike. There are also tons of employment opportunities for various industries, including for psychiatrists. The state also has low cost of living rates, which means you get to enjoy most of your pay, instead of it only getting spent on your house rent and other basic needs.

4. Ohio

Annual median wage: $201,740

Cost of living: 93

Employment: 1,140

We are continuing our list of best states for psychiatrists with Ohio that is slowly, but steadily, rising its way to the top when it comes to business and economic developments. The state is now popular for its stable economy, which is reflected well in their employment rates for psychiatrists. Their low cost of living rates never fail to convince people how great it is to live in Ohio. Combine that with their wages that usually go past the national average, and you got yourself an ideal place to live in.

3. Georgia

Annual median wage: $224,560

Cost of living: 91.4

Employment: 410

We are continuing our list of best states for psychiatrists with Georgia that has always been a popular spring destination because of its many festivals and year-round attractions that never seem to get old, like its waterfalls. The state’s major economic forces remain to be textile and mining industries, although health care services seem to have potential as well. Judging from the wages for psychiatrists, medical professionals certainly face a bright future in Georgia.

2. Texas

Annual median wage: $197,120

Cost of living: 90.7

Employment: 880

Texas’ employment rates seem to improve by the hour, as more and more job opportunities rise for various occupations, including psychiatrists. The Lone Star State has truly gone a long way from being a country-feel state to a booming city where jobs abound and wages soar. Fortunately, their booming economy does not affect their living expenses. Living in Texas is still as cheap as how it has always been.

1. Indiana

Annual median wage: $238,780

Cost of living: 87.9

Employment: 270

Topping our list of best states for psychiatrists in America’s second most affordable state. Why would anyone not want to work in a place where everything is cheaper than the rest of the country? Indiana will make you feel like you get a delectable cake, and you get to eat it, too. No more worrying whether your wage can sustain your rent and food, you can most probably shop and dine out often, too.

Psychiatrists never have it easy on their jobs. From the day they decide to dedicate their lives to this profession, they’ll be facing setbacks and challenges that could take its toll and pressure them. If you’re a psychiatrist or know one who needs a change of surrounding to revive their passion for the job, check out the best states for psychiatrists and pick one to move in.