Physiatrist vs psychiatrist

The differences between physiatrists and psychiatrists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a physiatrist, becoming a psychiatrist takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a physiatrist has an average salary of $305,616, which is higher than the $229,034 average annual salary of a psychiatrist.

The top three skills for a physiatrist include patients, rehabilitation and physical medicine. The most important skills for a psychiatrist are patients, diagnosis, and patient care.

Physiatrist vs psychiatrist overview

	Physiatrist	Psychiatrist
Yearly salary	$305,616	$229,034
Hourly rate	$146.93	$110.11
Growth rate	7%	7%
Number of jobs	10,190	29,979
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 24%	Doctoral Degree, 32%
Average age	48	48
Years of experience	4	6

What does a physiatrist do?

Physiatrists must have a bachelor's degree in physical sciences or a related field, a M.D. or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, and 4 to 7 years' internship and residency training specializing in rehab and physical medicine. This position pays annual salaries of around $58K to $370K. It requires skills in empathy, compassion, emotional resilience, monitoring, and strong initiative to work in challenging environments. Physiatrists diagnose illnesses, design plans for treatment, and prescribe various medicines.

What does a psychiatrist do?

A Psychiatrist is a medical practitioner specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. They treat patients utilizing psychotherapeutic methods and medications.

Physiatrist vs psychiatrist salary

Physiatrists and psychiatrists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Physiatrist	Psychiatrist
Average salary	$305,616	$229,034
Salary range	Between $147,000 And $635,000	Between $133,000 And $393,000
Highest paying City	Anchorage, AK	Fargo, ND
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Parkridge Health System	Yuma Regional Medical Center
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between physiatrist and psychiatrist education

There are a few differences between a physiatrist and a psychiatrist in terms of educational background:

	Physiatrist	Psychiatrist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 24%	Doctoral Degree, 32%
Most common major	Medicine	Medicine
Most common college	Stanford University	Duke University

Physiatrist vs psychiatrist demographics

Here are the differences between physiatrists' and psychiatrists' demographics:

	Physiatrist	Psychiatrist
Average age	48	48
Gender ratio	Male, 53.7% Female, 46.3%	Male, 44.6% Female, 55.4%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.7% Asian, 18.6% White, 62.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%	Black or African American, 5.3% Unknown, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% Asian, 18.0% White, 64.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage	13%	10%

Differences between physiatrist and psychiatrist duties and responsibilities

Physiatrist example responsibilities.

Monitor and manage patient medical records in compliance with HIPPA.
Provide physical medicine and rehabilitation services under the direct supervision of orthopedic surgeons.
Work closely with CNO to improve morale of staff.
Evaluate complex test results to ensure patient diagnosis is comprehensive and accurate.
Work closely with attorneys and physicians in scheduling patients for refer treatment and for depositions.
Work predominantly with patients suffering with arthritis pain, back pain, leg pain, migraines, etc.

Psychiatrist example responsibilities.

Provide psychiatric evaluations, diagnosis and treatment, including prescribing and administering psychotropic medications, conduct individual and group psychotherapy.
Case load includes children, adolescents and adults.
Provide accurate, timely and complete documentation in the EMR.
Conduct full neurological evaluation, including lab, MRI & /or EEG.
Work closely with Medicaid in areas of compliance needs and information of the clients.
Create multidisciplinary team (psychiatrist, psychologist, nurse, marriage family therapist) to spear head new veterans parenting class.

Physiatrist vs psychiatrist skills

Common physiatrist skills

Patients, 35%
Rehabilitation, 34%
Physical Medicine, 19%
Patient Care, 7%
Pain Management, 2%
Diagnosis, 2%

Common psychiatrist skills

Patients, 32%
Diagnosis, 11%
Patient Care, 5%
Mental Illness, 5%
Psychiatric Services, 5%
EMR, 4%

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Physiatrist
Physiatrist vs Psychiatrist

Updated January 8, 2025

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