Psychiatric Nurse Salary Guide – 2024
May 30, 2024 by Vidya Tanikella . 8 min read
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When we think of health, we typically tend to assess our physical well-being. However, one would agree that psychological health is equally important if not more. While the general awareness of it is increasing, the demand for psychiatric nurses also increases. So, if you are considering to pursue it or looking to upgrade or transition into this profession, it may interest you that a psychiatric nurse’s salary in the US ranges from $91,182 to $146,731 annually on average[1]. Compared to the national annual average of salary $59,384 (per U.S. Bureau of Labor reports in Q4 of 2023[2]), it is almost twice that!

Moreover, a major job board reports that overtime in a psychiatric nurse salary can be as high as $10,750 per year[1].

Description Salary
Entry-level Psychiatric nurse salary $30.96 per hour[3]
Media annual Psychiatric nurse salary $84,500 per year[4]
Psychiatric nurse salary trajectory 12% rise from 2024 to 2029[5]

Looking at these figures and accounting for the non-cash benefits of psychiatric nurses (that we touch upon later), it appears that psychiatric nurse pay should be good enough to meet one’s basic needs and save some. But it’s only one side of the picture. The other side of things includes considering living costs (largely depends on location), taxes, lifestyle preferences, and more. And since there is not one true set of data on the income of psychiatric nurses – but a handful of reported salary directories – it’s tricky to point to one particular salary figure as correct. So, in this guide on 2024 Psychiatric Nurses Salaries in the US, we collect and collate data from reliable sources, compare them, and infer insights to paint the full picture. We shall also look into the factors that influence psychiatric nurse wages to help you make more informed decision about what skill, location, or education to focus on to increase your earning potential. In the end, we shall take a critical look at the job, demand, and salary outlook for psychiatric nurses in the coming years.

To kick off, let us start by looking at the salaries of psychiatric nurses in those states where they are most in demand.

Psychiatric Nurse Salaries in In-demand US States

The difference between the lower and upper end of the pay range for psychiatric nurse salaries in the US is large and fluctuates a lot between states (we will discuss the location factor more in detail under Psychiatric Nurse Salary by State). Among the listed states, New York offers the highest average annual salary for psychiatric nurses at $142,250, with an upper-end potential of $241,654. Texas presents the lowest average salary at $74,013, with significant salary fluctuation compared to Maryland, which has the least fluctuation.

Lower End of Annual Salary Average Psychiatric Nurse Annual Salary Upper End of Annual Salary
Psychiatric Nurse Salary in New York $83,735 per year $142,250 per year $241,654 per year
Psychiatric Nurse Salary in Maryland $85,002 per year $138,138 per year $224,491 per year
Psychiatric Nurse Salary in Georgia $100,359 per year $126,857 per year $160,351 per year
Psychiatric Nurse Salary in Connecticut $106,434 per year $121,499 per year $138,696 per year
Psychiatric Nurse Salary in Nevada $79,176 per year $120,881 per year $184,553 per year
Psychiatric Nurse Salary in Ohio $62,089 per year $106,618 per year $183,084 per year
Psychiatric Nurse Salary in Kentucky $87,891 per year $102,893 per year $120,457 per year
Psychiatric Nurse Salary in Tennessee $66,539 per year $100,651 per year $152,251 per year
Psychiatric Nurse Salary Alabama $75,007 per year $93,796 per year $117,290 per year
Psychiatric Nurse Salary in Texas $38,214 per year $74,013 per year $143,347 per year

*source: indeed[1]

Look for the best-paying Psychiatric Nurse jobs across the US, by joining our nursing professional community now!

Let’s delve into the essentials of the psychiatric nursing profession, covering their roles, entry requirements, and initial salary expectations post-graduation.

Psychiatric Nurse Job in US

As mentioned in the introduction, a psychiatric nurse helps in the treatment of psychiatric patients. Basically they are specialized nurses – who work with psychiatrists, psychologists, or sometimes social workers – to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with mental health disorders. As it is also a human field, their responsibilities can include advocating and educating patients and their families about the importance of mental health conditions.

To become a psychiatric nurse, you start like any regular nurse with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree, followed by licensure as a registered nurse (RN). But then need additional certification in psychiatric and mental health nursing for specialization. As an entry-level psychiatric nurse, one can expect to make around $51,500 yearly[6].

It’s worth noting that gender-wise, there are mostly female psychiatric nurses (~82%)[3]. Still, there is an unfortunate gap in the salary between male and female psychiatric nurses with males typically making around 7% more than females[6].

Suggested Reading: Career as a Nurse in US in 2024

How Much Do Psychiatric Nurses Make in a Year, Month, and Hour in the US in 2024

As mentioned earlier, for a salary stat of psychiatric nurses in the US we depend on collating data from various sources – instead of one. That being said, synthesizing reported figures from major job boards reveals a broad salary range for psychiatric nurses. At the upper end, these professionals can earn over $69 per hour or $146,731 annually. Conversely, at the lower end, hourly rates may be around $43, resulting in an average annual income of $91,182. On average, psychiatric nurses typically earn approximately $54 per hour or $115,668 annually.

Psychiatric Nurse Salary Per Hour Per Week Per Month Per Year
Lower end salary $43.08 $1,668 $6,456 $91,182
Average base salary $54.65 $2,116 $8,190 $115,668
Higher end salary $69.33 $2,685 $10,389 $146,731

*source: indeed[1]

Suggested Reading: 2024 Salary Guide for US Nurse Practitioners

Median Psychiatric Nurse Salary

The table below provides insight into the varying distribution of psychiatric nurse salary range – reflecting both entry-level and higher-earning opportunities. It reveals that 50% of psychiatric nurses earn $84,500 per year or less, representing the median salary. Those in the bottom 10th percentile earn a minimum of $70,745 annually, while the top 10% of earners make $105,324 or more annually.

Percentile Psychiatric Nurse Annual Salary
10% $70,745 per year
25% $77,300 per year
50% $84,500 per year
75% $95,400 per year
90% $105,324 per year

*source: Salary[4]

Psychiatric Nurse Salary and Benefits Breakdown

Median Psychiatric Nurse Compensation Breakdown

Psychiatric nurses typically receive a median base salary of $84,400 annually, with total compensation, including benefits, amounting to $117,102. Base salary constitutes the majority of their compensation, accounting for 72.1%, while time off and healthcare support contribute 9.2% and 5.4%, respectively, to their overall remuneration package.

Annual Core Compensation of Psychiatric Nurse
Median % of Total
Base Salary $84,400 72.1%
Bonus $100 0.1%
Annual Value of Benefits for Psychiatric Nurses
Median % of Total
Social Security $6,464 5.5%
401K/403B $4,141 3.5%
Disability $1,352 1.2%
Healthcare $6,371 5.4%
Pension $3,549 3.0%
Time Off $10,725 9.2%
Total Compensation $117,102 100%

*source: Salary[4]

Common Benefits for Psychiatric Nurses

As evident from the previous table, health benefits stand out as the primary perk offered to psychiatric nurses in the US. In fact, over 77% of them receive medical insurance, with dental coverage following closely at 68% and then vision coverage at 61%. Still, depending on the employer, almost a quarter of psychiatric nurses may not receive any of these benefits.

401(k) Flexible spending account Paid housing
401(k) matching Health insurance Paid time off
403(b) Health savings account Prescription drug insurance
Continuing education credits Housing stipend Referral program
Dental insurance License reimbursement Relocation assistance
Disability insurance Life insurance Retirement plan
Employee assistance program Loan forgiveness Travel reimbursement
Employee discount Loan repayment program Tuition reimbursement
Employee stock purchase plan Malpractice insurance Vision insurance
Flexible schedule Opportunities for advancement Work from home

*source: indeed[1]

Psychiatric Nurse Salary by State

Now we come to the central stat on psychiatric nurse salaries: state-wise psychiatric nurse salary in the US. Rhode Island boasts the highest annual pay for psychiatric nurses, reaching $103,809, while Oklahoma offers the lowest at $50,108 per year. Interestingly, both Rhode Island and Hawaii, geographically isolated states, have the highest average psychiatric nurse hourly salary. This might be due to a smaller talent pool and high demand.

State Avg. Psychiatric Nurse Salary Annual Avg. Psychiatric Nurse Hourly Rate
Alabama $53,639 per year $25.79 per hour
Alaska $83,762 per year $40.27 per hour
Arizona $69,541 per year $33.43 per hour
Arkansas $58,884 per year $28.31 per hour
California $98,534 per year $47.37 per hour
Colorado $61,263 per year $29.45 per hour
Connecticut $82,267 per year $39.55 per hour
Delaware $82,915 per year $39.86 per hour
District of Columbia $89,867 per year $43.21 per hour
Florida $62,322 per year $29.96 per hour
Georgia $59,523 per year $28.62 per hour
Hawaii $96,449 per year $46.37 per hour
Idaho $71,639 per year $34.44 per hour
Illinois $63,502 per year $30.53 per hour
Indiana $55,087 per year $26.48 per hour
Iowa $64,601 per year $31.06 per hour
Kansas $59,579 per year $28.64 per hour
Kentucky $59,912 per year $28.80 per hour
Louisiana $67,421 per year $32.41 per hour
Maine $66,345 per year $31.90 per hour
Maryland $78,455 per year $37.72 per hour
Massachusetts $84,165 per year $40.46 per hour
Michigan $63,630 per year $30.59 per hour
Minnesota $68,904 per year $33.13 per hour
Mississippi $61,939 per year $29.78 per hour
Missouri $56,058 per year $26.95 per hour
Montana $61,015 per year $29.33 per hour
Nebraska $56,417 per year $27.12 per hour
Nevada $71,400 per year $34.33 per hour
New Hampshire $78,725 per year $37.85 per hour
New Jersey $85,058 per year $40.89 per hour
New Mexico $66,021 per year $31.74 per hour
New York $80,303 per year $38.61 per hour
North Carolina $59,312 per year $28.52 per hour
North Dakota $57,042 per year $27.42 per hour
Ohio $63,960 per year $30.75 per hour
Oklahoma $50,108 per year $24.09 per hour
Oregon $77,655 per year $37.33 per hour
Pennsylvania $67,947 per year $32.67 per hour
Rhode Island $103,809 per year $49.91 per hour
South Carolina $61,095 per year $29.37 per hour
South Dakota $51,822 per year $24.91 per hour
Tennessee $56,545 per year $27.19 per hour
Texas $76,498 per year $36.78 per hour
Utah $62,965 per year $30.27 per hour
Vermont $81,950 per year $39.40 per hour
Virginia $69,181 per year $33.26 per hour
Washington $66,674 per year $32.05 per hour
West Virginia $70,701 per year $33.99 per hour
Wisconsin $65,820 per year $31.64 per hour
Wyoming $68,612 per year $32.99 per hour

*source: Zippia[6]

To simplify the information in the table above, we’ve compiled lists of the top 10 states offering with the highest and lowest psychiatric nurse salaries.

However, we must point out in advance that the states offering higher salaries aren’t necessarily the better options for moving to as a psychiatric nurse compared to those with lower salaries. It would depend on various factors; the critical ones include living expenses, job prospects, and preferred lifestyle. So, use your discretion when selecting a location to settle.

Suggested Watch: Top 10 Highest-paid Nursing Jobs

Top 10 Highest-paying US States for Psychiatric Nurses

Among the best-paying states for Psychiatric nurses, Rhode Island stands out with the highest salary offer of $103,809 per year or $49.91 per hour. California and Hawaii come right next with their offers exceeding $90,000 annually on average

State Avg. Psychiatric Nurse Salary Annually Avg. Psychiatric Nurse Salary Hourly
Rhode Island $103,809 per year $49.91 per hour
California $98,534 per year $47.37 per hour
Hawaii $96,449 per year $46.37 per hour
District of Columbia $89,867 per year $43.21 per hour
New Jersey $85,058 per year $40.89 per hour
Massachusetts $84,165 per year $40.46 per hour
Alaska $83,762 per year $40.27 per hour
Delaware $82,915 per year $39.86 per hour
Connecticut $82,267 per year $39.55 per hour
Vermont $81,950 per year $39.40 per hour

*source: Zippia[6]

10 Lowest-paying US States for Psychiatric Nurses

Considering the top 10 lowest-paying states for psychiatric nurse, the average salary offered in the table below is $59,312 annually. Oklahoma falls at the bottom rung with an average salary of just $50,108. This is almost 50% of what their counterparts in Rhode Island make.

State Avg. Psychiatric Nurse Salary Annually Avg. Psychiatric Nurse Salary Hourly
Oklahoma $50,108 per year $24.09 per hour
South Dakota $51,822 per year $24.91 per hour
Alabama $53,639 per year $25.79 per hour
Indiana $55,087 per year $26.48 per hour
Missouri $56,058 per year $26.95 per hour
Nebraska $56,417 per year $27.12 per hour
Tennessee $56,545 per year $27.19 per hour
North Dakota $57,042 per year $27.42 per hour
Arkansas $58,884 per year $28.31 per hour
North Carolina $59,312 per year $28.52 per hour

*source: Zippia[6]

Highest-paying US Cities for Psychiatric Nurses

Zooming in further on the geography-based influence on psychiatric nurse’s salary – from state to city level – the data below shows that Santa Rosa, CA pays the highest to psychiatric nurses with an average annual salary of $101,755 and an hourly rate of $48.92. Newark (NJ), Boston, (MA), and Brentwood (NY) follow right behind offering an average annual salary above $80,000.

Cities Avg. Psychiatric Nurse Salary Annually Avg. Psychiatric Nurse Salary Hourly
Santa Rosa, CA $101,755 per year $48.92 per hour
Newark, NJ $85,179 per year $40.95 per hour
Boston, MA $84,323 per year $40.54 per hour
Brentwood, NY $80,732 per year $38.81 per hour
Portland, OR $77,257 per year $37.14 per hour
Irving, TX $75,357 per year $36.23 per hour
Sparks, NV $72,326 per year $34.77 per hour
Phoenix, AZ $69,595 per year $33.46 per hour
Philadelphia, PA $68,594 per year $32.98 per hour
Lakewood, WA $67,334 per year $32.37 per hour

*source: Zippia[6]

Popular Employers for Psychiatric Nurses and Their Offered Salaries

Considering the demanding nature of working in a psychiatric ward, a psychiatric nurse need more than just a competitive salary to sustain a long-term career. The reason why the most popular employers in this field not only provide fat salaries but also prioritize work-life balance through flexible scheduling, access to cutting-edge resources, and other amenities. While assessing employers based on these qualitative aspects may be tricky, publicly available reviews help us list some with great employer reputations.

Psychiatric Nurse Employer Average Hourly Psychiatric Nurse Salary Offered Employer Rating
Vish Consulting Services $65.04 per hour 4
GHR Healthcare $62.11 per hour 3.9
Trusted Health $57.95 per hour 4.2
Medmetry Inc $56.89 per hour 4.2
Travel Nurses Inc. $55.25 per hour 4.9
Cariant Health Partners $54.06 per hour 4.3
Jackson Nurse Professionals $53.43 per hour 4.1
New York State Office of Mental Health $44.21 per hour 3.3

*source: Indeed[1]

Suggested Watch: Navigating Work and Life as a Nurse

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Travel Psychiatric Nurse Salary

Becoming a travel psychiatric nurse is a strategic approach for recent graduates – uncertain about their long-term career path – to explore their profession. In terms of duties, they are similar to their traditional counterparts: to provide assistance in psychiatric wards and counseling sessions with patients’ families. However, rather than committing to a single location, they move between medical facilities on a short-term basis, typically from a few weeks to a month.

Average Travel Psychiatric Nurse Salary

Salary Range Travel Psychiatric Nurse Salary
Minimum $789 per week
Average $1,999 per week
Maximum $3,812 per week

*source: Vivian[7]

States Paying Travel Psychiatric Nurses the Most

State Average Travel Psychiatric Nurse Weekly Salary Max Travel Psychiatric Nurse Weekly Salary
Rhode Island $2,466 per week $2,909 per week
West Virginia $2,377 per week $2,730 per week
Massachusetts $2,267 per week $2,653 per week
New York $2,262 per week $3,812 per week
Montana $2,246 per week $2,986 per week
Connecticut $2,240 per week $2,660 per week
Vermont $2,223 per week $3,527 per week
New Jersey $2,222 per week $2,732 per week
New Hampshire $2,131 per week $3,000 per week
Maine $2,124 per week $2,817 per week

*source: Vivian[7]

Highest Paying Employers for Travel Psychiatric Nurse

Employer Travel Psychiatric Nurse Average Weekly Salary Travel Psychiatric Nurse Max Weekly Salary
NURSE’s Etc. Staffing $3,320 per week $3,812 per week
Consolidated Medical Travel $3,201 per week $3,201 per week
InfiCare Health $2,885 per week $2,885 per week
ICONMA $2,814 per week $2,814 per week
TinkBird Healthcare Staffing $2,557 per week $2,817 per week
Stats Access, Inc. $2,544 per week $2,544 per week
Solomon Page $2,543 per week $2,543 per week
AHS Staffing $2,530 per week $2,530 per week
AB Staffing Solutions $2,520 per week $2,520 per week
American Medical Staffing $2,502 per week $2,730 per week

*source: Vivian[7]

Psychiatric Nurse Salary v/s Most Popular Nursing Jobs

When compared to the salaries of the five most popular nursing specialties, psychiatric nurses salaries fall somewhere in the middle. They earn approximately 82% of what cardiac nurses make annually and about 94% of what NICU nurses earn. However, they outearn home health RNs by approximately 26%, public health nurses by 66%, and school nurses by 82% on average.

Popular Nursing Jobs Average Annual Salary
Cardiac Nurse $137,936 per year
NICU Nurse $125,589 per year
Psychiatric Nurse $118,272 per year
Home Health RN $94,190 per year
Public Health Nurse $71,076 per year
School Nurse $64,903 per year

*source: indeed[1]

Suggested Reading: Navigating Career Paths in Healthcare: How to Choose Your Specialization

Factors Influencing Psychiatric Nurse Salaries

Location-based influence on the Psychiatric Nurse Pay

We have noticed several times in this guide so far that location matters when it comes to psychiatric nurse wages. Examining the state-by-state statistics on psychiatric nurse salaries[6], the salary spectrum varies greatly, with certain states offering nearly twice as much as others. For instance, Eastern states such as Alabama and Mississippi tend to have lower average salaries, whereas West Coast states like California and Hawaii boast some of the highest. These disparities may stem from factors such as variations in the cost of living or imbalances in nurse supply and demand across regions.

Experience-based influence on the Psychiatric Nurse Pay

Experience significantly impacts psychiatric nurse pay, with hourly rates increasing steadily with years of experience. Nurses with less than one year of experience earn an average of $30.96 per hour, while those with over 20 years of experience fetch an average hourly rate of $39, reflecting the value of years spent in the profession.

Psychiatric Nurse Years of Experience Avg. Psychiatric Nurse Hourly Rate
< 1 year $30.96 per hour
1-4 years $32.95 per hour
5-9 years $35.36 per hour
10-19 years $37.27 per hour
20+ years $39.00 per hour

*source: Payscale[3]

Degree-based influence on the Psychiatric Nurse Pay

The level of education has a positive impact on psychiatric nurse wage, with higher degrees correlating to higher average annual salaries. Psychiatric nurses with a master’s degree earn the highest average salary at $80,602 per year, followed by those with a doctorate degree at $74,587. On the lower end, nurses with an associate degree earn the lowest average salary at $62,228 per year.

Degree Psychiatric Nurse Average Annual Salary
Master’s Degree $80,602 per year
Doctorate Degree $74,587 per year
Bachelor’s Degree $72,009 per year
Associate Degree $62,228 per year

*source: Zippia[6]

Skill-based influence on the Psychiatric Nurse Pay

At similar career levels and medical facilities, psychiatric nurse salaries can vary based on skill level. Training proficiency leads to the highest impact, with an 8% salary increase, followed by expertise in Epic Systems (6%), acute care(4%), and crisis intervention (4%). Leadership and team leadership skills result in more modest 1% increases.

Psychiatric Nurse Skill Effect on Psychiatric Nurse Salary
Training ▲8%
Epic Systems ▲6%
Acute Care ▲4%
Crisis Intervention ▲4%
Team Leadership ▲1%
Leadership ▲1%

*source: Payscale[3]

Race-based influence on the Psychiatric Nurse Pay

Race appears to influence psychiatric nurse pay, with notable disparities in average annual salaries. Asian psychiatric nurses earn the highest average salary at $77,690 per year, followed by Hispanic or Latino nurses at $68,393. Black or African American nurses earn an average of $67,147, while white nurses earn slightly less at $66,921 per year.

Race Psychiatric Nurse Average Annual Salary
Asian $77,690 per year
Hispanic or Latino $68,393 per year
Black or African American $67,147 per year
White $66,921 per year

Suggested Tool: Nurse Resume Builder

Psychiatric Nurse Salary Projections

The world of psychiatric nursing is experiencing a boom. As per the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA, there are projections indicating a jump of 17% in demand for Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants specializing in this field by the year 2030[9]. This increase is in line with a significant rise in people seeking mental healthcare, resulting in extended wait times reported by psychologists to the American Psychological Association[10]. And, on the salary front, there’s been a consistent rise in psychiatric nurse salaries over the past ten years, averaging a 1.6% increase annually[6].

But it’s not all rosy for psychiatric nurses: While job satisfaction scores high (averaging a solid 3.75 out of 5 stars)[3], some nurses feel their paychecks are not enough to cover the cost of living (only 61% expressing satisfaction with this aspect[1]). Still, the potential for psychiatric nurse salary growth – particularly for those with Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner qualifications – is a 12% increase over the next 5 years[5].

Suggested Read: Nurse Practitioner’s Salary Trajectory

Endnote

In summary, working as a psychiatric nurse in the US can give both personal fulfillment and professional growth. While psychiatric nurse starting salaries may be as low as $51,500[6], but with opportunities for advancement, experienced psychiatric nurses salaries on average go beyond $145,000[1]. It’s noteworthy that location significantly influences the earning potential of psychiatric nurses, yet proactive measures such as upskilling, or taking advantage of overtime can enhance earning potential. Moreover, with psychiatric nursing compensation expected to increase by 12% over the next five years, this field shows promising growth,

All said, with all things equal, a psychiatric nurse with better negotiation skills can make more than their peers at this stage of their career. And the more informed you are of your field, the better you can negotiate. So, we highly recommend connecting with like-minded professionals to keep updated on all news, events, and openings related to psychiatric nursing.

FAQ

What is the highest-paid Psychiatric nurse?

Because geography has the most impact on psychiatric nurse salary, individuals in the highest-paying location viz. Santa Rosa, CA, earn the most, at $101,755. However, for a more comprehensive idea, take into account skills, education level, race, etc.

How much do Psychiatric nurses make in NYC?

Psychiatric nurses in NYC earn an average annual salary of $$142,250 and an hourly rate of $67.21, reflecting the city’s high cost of living and demand for healthcare services.

How much is Psychiatric nurse salary in California?

In California, Psychiatric nurses make an average of $123,407 per year and $58.31 hourly, driven by the state’s strong healthcare sector and higher living costs.

How do I know if I’m being paid fairly as a Psychiatric nurse?

Given the significant variation of the psychiatric nurse salaries for different location, skills, and career stage a wise strategy to assess if your compensation is fair (or not) is to connect and exchange information with other professionals in your field within your region.

References

[1] https://www.indeed.com/career/psychiatric-nurse/salaries

[2] https://www.usatoday.com/money/blueprint/business/hr-payroll/average-salary-us/

[3] https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Psychiatric_Nurse_(RN)/Hourly_Rate

[4] https://www.salary.com/tools/salary-calculator/psychiatric-nurse?type=bonus

[5] https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/psychiatric-advanced-registered-nurse-practitioner/united-states

[6] https://www.zippia.com/salaries/psychiatric-nurse/

[7] https://www.vivian.com/nursing/psychiatric-nurse/travel/salary

[8] https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/nursing-specialties

[9] https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/physician-assistants-2018.pdf

[10] https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/practitioner/2023-psychologist-reach-limits

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