How much do psychiatrists make in New Zealand?

Psychiatry, the branch of medicine focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders, is an immensely challenging and rewarding specialty. By their intense training and expertise, psychiatrists play a pivotal role in the healthcare system, helping individuals navigate complex mental health challenges.

In recent years, the rise in mental health conditions in New Zealand has seen a growing demand for mental health professionals, including psychiatrists. This article will delve into the question, "How much do psychiatrists make in New Zealand?" and consider various factors influencing their income. We will examine rental rates, gasoline prices, care premium costs, property rates, taxes, and the cost of living to provide a comprehensive overview of the earning potential for psychiatrists in this beautiful island nation.

Please note: the salary figures mentioned in this article are intended as a general guide and can vary significantly. Salaries for doctors depend on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, geographic location, medical specialty or sub-specialty, years of experience, type of employer (public or private sector), and individual qualifications and certifications. Additionally, changes in the healthcare industry, market demands, and economic factors can also influence salary rates.

Determining factors of a psychiatrist's salary in New Zealand in 2025

A psychiatrist's salary in New Zealand can vary based on several determining factors:

Experience and qualifications: As with most medical specialties, a psychiatrist's earnings typically correlate with their years of experience and additional qualifications. Those just starting their careers may have a different earning bracket than seasoned professionals.
Location: Metropolitan areas like Auckland or Wellington may offer higher salaries due to the cost of living and service demand. However, given the potential shortages in these regions, rural or underserved areas might also provide competitive packages to attract and retain psychiatric talent.
Type of employment: Whether a psychiatrist chooses to work in a public hospital, private practice, or community health setting can significantly influence their salary. Also, contractual arrangements, such as fixed-term vs. permanent positions, can play a role.
Sub-specialisation: Within psychiatry, there are further sub-specialties like child and adolescent psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, or addiction psychiatry. Specialising in one of these areas may impact earning potential, and higher salaries are sometimes offered due to specific demands.

Average salary overview

Generally, a New Zealand psychiatrist can expect to earn anywhere between NZD$150,000 to NZD$270,000 annually. However, this range can vary based on the factors mentioned:

Early career psychiatrists: Those in the early years of their careers, having completed their specialist training, can anticipate earnings between NZD$150,000 and NZD$200,000.
Experienced psychiatrists: With a substantial number of years in the field, a solid reputation, and perhaps a specialisation, they can command salaries upwards of NZD$200,000, potentially touching NZD$270,000 or more, especially in private practice.

The average day rate for a locum consultant psychiatrist is NZD$1,500 per day.

Comparison to other medical specialities

Psychiatrists generally have a favourable earning scale compared to other medical specialties in New Zealand. The critical nature of their work and the challenges of dealing with mental health justifies their remuneration. While they might not earn as much as certain surgical specialists, they often surpass many other non-surgical specialties in average salary.

Cost of living

A key determinant of a psychiatrist's take-home pay is the cost of living, which includes rental rates, gasoline prices, and consumables. For instance, a psychiatrist based in a city like Auckland may face higher rental rates and gasoline prices compared to their counterparts in smaller towns. Consequently, their disposable income may be lower due to the higher cost of living.

Explore the cost of living in New Zealand further in this comprehensive article.

Medical care premium costs and property taxes

Another factor affecting a psychiatrist's earnings is the cost of maintaining their practice. This includes medical care premium costs and property taxes. In New Zealand, these costs vary depending on the practice's location and the property's size. As a result, psychiatrists who own more significant properties or practices in affluent areas may face higher costs and, consequently, a lower net income.

Effective income tax rates

New Zealand's effective income tax rates also significantly affect a psychiatrist's take-home pay. As of 2024, the highest tax rate is 39% for individuals earning over NZD$180,000 per year. However, this rate may change, affecting the net earnings of psychiatrists nationwide.

Housing sales data and cost of labour data

Lastly, to understand a psychiatrist's earning potential in New Zealand further, one must consider housing sales data and the cost of labour data. Psychiatrists who own property in areas with high housing sales data may benefit from increased property values. In contrast, those in areas with lower sales data may see their property investments stagnate.

The cost of labour data is essential when considering support staff wages, as this will impact a psychiatrist's overall practice expenses.

How psychiatrists can increase their income

Psychiatrists can expect a good annual salary. But how can you increase your income without increasing the hours you work?

· Locum tenens rates are typically higher than the equivalent permanent hourly rate. The average day rate for a locum consultant psychiatrist is between NZD$1,500 and NZD$2,500.

· Leadership and advocacy roles are an important part of psychiatry. Working with the government, courts, and communities can be financially and mentally rewarding. This is also a good option if you want to add non-clinical work to your skill set.

· Opening your practice is a new challenge for many doctors but can be liberating and financially rewarding. Psychiatrists working in private practice or running their practice can earn more.

Psychiatrists in New Zealand can expect to earn a salary that ranges from NZD$150,000 to NZD$270,000 per year. However, this figure can be influenced by rental rates, gasoline prices, consumables, medical care premium costs, property taxes, effective income tax rates, housing sales data, and cost of labour data. As a result, it is important for psychiatrists to carefully consider their location and practice expenses to maximise their earnings while continuing to diagnose and treat patients effectively.