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Correctional Psychiatry: Salary and Benefits Are Generous
Daniel Carlat, MD
Editor-in-Chief, Publisher, The Carlat Report.
Dr. Carlat has disclosed that he has no relevant relationships or financial interests in any commercial company pertaining to this educational activity.
The average annual wage for U.S. psychiatrists in 2015 is about $194,000 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). According to a 2011 salary survey, the average salary of a prison psychiatrist in the U.S. is $204,909. Further breaking this down by state, here are some salary figures for psychiatrists working in a correctional setting:
And these averages are probably on the low side. For example, a recent search for a state correctional psychiatrist in California showed an opening for a chief psychiatrist position offering an annual salary range between $268,176 and $332,378 (http://www.cphcs.ca.gov/). With a lack of psychiatrists, overtime, should you choose to take it, can be quite lucrative. In 2009, one of the highest paid state correctional clinicians in California made 31% of his $450,000 yearly salary from overtime.
In general, you should add to these salaries a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and life insurance; malpractice insurance; paid holidays; sick days; and vacation time. Sign-on bonuses and loan repayment can also be part of the package. And when it’s time to leave your position, you will receive a lump sum for any unused accrued vacation time, which can amount to a huge bonus, potentially in the low to mid 6 figures. In addition, remember that thing called a pension? You’re likely to get that too.
General Psychiatry- New York: $200,147 (includes overtime)
- Texas: $220,000 (not including overtime)
- Florida: $230,711 (not including overtime)
- California: $248,172 (not including overtime or extra duty) (mdsalaries.com)
And these averages are probably on the low side. For example, a recent search for a state correctional psychiatrist in California showed an opening for a chief psychiatrist position offering an annual salary range between $268,176 and $332,378 (http://www.cphcs.ca.gov/). With a lack of psychiatrists, overtime, should you choose to take it, can be quite lucrative. In 2009, one of the highest paid state correctional clinicians in California made 31% of his $450,000 yearly salary from overtime.
In general, you should add to these salaries a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and life insurance; malpractice insurance; paid holidays; sick days; and vacation time. Sign-on bonuses and loan repayment can also be part of the package. And when it’s time to leave your position, you will receive a lump sum for any unused accrued vacation time, which can amount to a huge bonus, potentially in the low to mid 6 figures. In addition, remember that thing called a pension? You’re likely to get that too.
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