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The differences between geriatric psychiatrists and forensic psychiatrists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a geriatric psychiatrist and a forensic psychiatrist. Additionally, a geriatric psychiatrist has an average salary of $239,984, which is higher than the $216,927 average annual salary of a forensic psychiatrist.
| Geriatric Psychiatrist | Forensic Psychiatrist | |
| Yearly salary | $239,984 | $216,927 |
| Hourly rate | $115.38 | $104.29 |
| Growth rate | 7% | 7% |
| Number of jobs | 5,113 | 12,127 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 24% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 6 |
The mental health of the elderly can be delicate, and that is why a geriatric psychiatrist is important. Their job specialty is the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders in elderly people. They are also required to prevent, evaluate, and improve psychiatric care for both healthy and ill older patients. These older patients will likely fall under the range of 65 years of age and above.
Forensic psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained in mental health and law. The psychiatrists assess facts and defendants' mental state and report their findings to lawyers. They specifically evaluate the areas of depression, anxiety, hysteria, and psychotic conditions like schizophrenia. Primarily, they provide expert testimony to the jury during trial. Their duties and responsibilities include the assessment of their clients, provision of diagnosis, and the prescription of medication. And to become a successful forensic psychiatrist, one should have strong communication skills and a pleasing manner.
Geriatric psychiatrists and forensic psychiatrists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Geriatric Psychiatrist | Forensic Psychiatrist | |
| Average salary | $239,984 | $216,927 |
| Salary range | Between $142,000 And $404,000 | Between $118,000 And $398,000 |
| Highest paying City | Casper, WY | - |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | - |
| Best paying company | UnityPoint Health | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a geriatric psychiatrist and a forensic psychiatrist in terms of educational background:
| Geriatric Psychiatrist | Forensic Psychiatrist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 24% | Bachelor's Degree, 33% |
| Most common major | Medicine | Biology |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between geriatric psychiatrists' and forensic psychiatrists' demographics:
| Geriatric Psychiatrist | Forensic Psychiatrist | |
| Average age | 48 | 48 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 37.5% Female, 62.5% | Male, 58.3% Female, 41.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 19.4% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% | Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 6.2% Asian, 19.4% White, 68.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 10% | 10% |