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Verified by WA Board of Healthcare

Psychiatrist Licensing in Washington

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for psychiatrist in Washington, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Psychiatrist in Washington

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Individuals must have graduated from an accredited or approved medical school, completed a residency or other post-graduate training program, provide a work history, provide a list of hospital privileges, have a state medical license, provide required information, pay required fees.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Health

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $228,080 median salary

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 45 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Washington eligibility requirements for Psychiatrist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Health and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Washington

The median salary for Psychiatrists in Washington is $228,080. Washington ranks #33 among 45 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$228,080

Hourly estimate

$109.65
National comparison unavailable

National benchmark data is missing for this profile.

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$71,820
  • P2525th percentile$80,500
  • P50Median$228,080
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $228,080
National: N/A

Total employment: 420 | Annual openings: N/A

Psychiatrist Salary Ranking

#33 of 45 statesfor Psychiatrist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1North Dakota$343,680
#2California$328,560
#3Indiana$327,760
#4Minnesota$312,500
#5Utah$310,080

Nearby States Comparison

Psychiatrist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Washington$228,080Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
IdahoN/ADegree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Oregon$222,410Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Washington50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Health

101 Israel Rd SE, Tumwater, WA, 98501

Phone: 3602364700

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Psychiatrist in Washington?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Psychiatrists in Washington?

Washington lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Psychiatrists.

What education do you need to become a Psychiatrist in Washington?

The board typically expects Degree required for Psychiatrist licensure in Washington.

What is the typical Psychiatrist salary in Washington?

The median annual salary for Psychiatrists in Washington is $228,080.

How many Psychiatrists work in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 420 Psychiatrists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Psychiatrist license to Washington from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Psychiatrists in Washington?

The licensing agency is Department of Health. Review agency details at http://www.doh.wa.gov/.

How often do you renew a Psychiatrist license in Washington?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.