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Behavioral HealthCritical OccupationOccupation identified by industry partners as critical to business success.

Psychiatrist

Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.

Annual openings

16

Median wage

$266,370

Typical education

A Doctoral degree from a Medical school is required.

Growth 2026–2032

+10%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

A Doctoral degree from a Medical school is required.

Credential requirement

A Medical license is required and board certification is valued by many employers.

Work experience

Additional Residency experience beyond the completion of a Doctoral degree is required.

Employers have identified Psychiatrists as being in great demand, partly because they are able to prescribe Behavioral Health medications, which is limited to only a few occupations.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenMay vary
  • On a computerMay vary
  • OutdoorsNo
  • With your handsNo

Interests it draws on

  • Healthcare
  • Doctoral (Advanced Degree)

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Prescribe, direct, or administer psychotherapeutic treatments or medications to treat mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders.
  2. Gather and maintain patient information and records, including social or medical history obtained from patients, relatives, or other professionals.
  3. Design individualized care plans, using a variety of treatments.
  4. Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, or other professionals to discuss treatment plans and progress.
  5. Analyze and evaluate patient data or test findings to diagnose nature or extent of mental disorder.
  6. Examine or conduct laboratory or diagnostic tests on patients to provide information on general physical condition or mental disorder.
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