Abstract Background Despite a significant shortage of psychiatrists in China, an ever-increasing number of psychiatrists in China are experiencing burnout and job dissatisfaction and considering leaving their jobs. Yet, to our knowledge, there have been no nationwide studies to date that examined both burnout and job dissatisfaction of psychiatrists in China. Therefore, this study evaluated burnout and job dissatisfaction of psychiatrists in China, and identified relevant characteristics. Methods We conducted a nationwide, cross-sectional survey in March 2019. Psychiatrists from all tertiary psychiatric hospitals in China were invited to participate. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Service Survey and the short version of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to measure burnout and job satisfaction. Data on socio-demographic and occupational characteristics were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to identify socio-demographic and occupational characteristics associated with burnout and job satisfaction. Results In total, 4520 psychiatrists from tertiary psychiatric hospitals in China completed the questionnaire. Overall, 38.4% of respondents met the criteria for burnout and 35.6% were dissatisfied with their jobs. Being male, more years of practice, having no leadership role, and longer working hours per week were significantly associated with burnout and job dissatisfaction. Lower monthly pay was significantly associated with job dissatisfaction but not burnout. Moreover, burnout was significantly associated with job dissatisfaction. Conclusions Our data suggest a high rate of burnout and job dissatisfaction among psychiatrists in China. In order to preserve and strengthen the mental health workforce, proactive measures are urgently needed to mitigate burnout and job dissatisfaction among psychiatrists in China.