Psychiatric Technicians
Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental conditions or developmental disabilities.
Is psychiatric technicians a good career?
It scores 39/100 and ranks #72 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Faster-than-average projected growth (+20.0% through 2034)
Possible tradeoffs
- Pays below the U.S. median wage ($45,130 vs $61,390)
- Often needs prior experience (less than 5 years)
What psychiatric technicians earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. psychiatric technicians earn between $38,430 and $50,160 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Strongest employment concentration
Live psychiatric technicians jobs
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- Typical education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Work experience
- Less than 5 years
- On-the-job training
- Short-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow much faster than average through 2034.
Education
Psychiatric technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate for psychiatric technicians, behavioral health technicians, or similar titles. Programs for these certificates or associate’s degrees, available at community colleges and technical schools, train students in basic nursing skills. They include courses in psychology, anatomy, and pharmacology and also may include supervised clinical work experience. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree.
Psychiatric aides typically need a high school diploma or equivalent.
Training
Psychiatric technicians and aides may have a short period of on-the-job training. This training may include working with patients while under the supervision of an experienced technician or aide.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some states require psychiatric technicians to have a license. Requirements may include completing an accredited education program and passing an exam.
Psychiatric technicians may choose to earn optional certification. Requirements vary based on education and work experience. Employers may require candidates to have certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or basic life support (BLS).
Important qualities
Compassion. Psychiatric technicians and aides spend much of their time interacting with patients who have mental, emotional, or developmental conditions. They must be caring and understanding of their patients.
Interpersonal skills. Psychiatric technicians and aides may want to develop a rapport with patients in order to properly care for them. They also must be able to work well as part of a medical team.
Observational skills. Psychiatric technicians and aides must watch patients closely and be sensitive to changes in behavior. For their safety and that of their patients, they must recognize signs of discomfort or trouble among patients.
Patience. Working with people who have mental, emotional, or developmental conditions may be challenging. Psychiatric technicians and aides must be able to stay calm in stressful situations.
Physical stamina. Psychiatric technicians and aides must lift, move, and sometimes restrain patients. They also spend much of their time standing.
Related occupations
How much do psychiatric technicians make?
The national median wage is $45,130 a year, with the middle half earning between $38,430 and $50,160 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is psychiatric technicians a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 39 of 100 and ranks #72 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +20.0% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a psychiatric technician?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award, usually with less than 5 years.
Where do psychiatric technicians earn the most?
Among states, District of Columbia pays the highest median ($67,430). Local pay for every state and metro is below.