5 Least Competitive Medical Specialties in America

2. Psychiatry

Average US Senior Score: 226

The United States faces a critical shortage of psychiatrists, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, 51.5 million Americans had mental illnesses, a number that increased during the pandemic, with 40% of adults reporting anxiety or depression symptoms. However, over 150 million people live in federally designated mental health professional shortage areas. The projected shortage of psychiatrists within a few years is between 14,280 and 31,109. Factors include population growth, pandemic-induced mental health needs, insufficient residency slots, and a retirement drain, as 60% of psychiatrists are aged 55 or older. The average salary for a Psychiatrist is US$255,943 per year in the United States.