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Psychiatric Technicians

Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed

Care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. May participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $45,130/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$35,090$60,750

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +20% projected growth, 20242034 — much faster than average.

About 15,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Social PerceptivenessActive ListeningMonitoringSpeakingCoordinationReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingService OrientationWritingInstructing
Top knowledge areas
PsychologyTherapy and CounselingEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMedicine and DentistryEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and Government
Core tasks

Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.

Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.

Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.

Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.

Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.

Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.

Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.

Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Psychiatric Technicians?

The median pay for Psychiatric Technicians is $45,130 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Psychiatric Technicians?

Employment for Psychiatric Technicians is projected to change +20% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Psychiatric Technicians?

Typical entry-level education: Postsecondary nondegree award.

How many job openings are there each year for Psychiatric Technicians?

About 15,900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.