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Psychiatric Aides

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $44,910/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$32,090$60,440

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: -0.4% projected growth, 20242034 — declining.

About 5,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

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

Top skills
Social PerceptivenessSpeakingService OrientationMonitoringActive ListeningCritical ThinkingActive LearningCoordinationWritingReading Comprehension
Top knowledge areas
PsychologyCustomer and Personal ServiceTherapy and CounselingEnglish LanguageAdministrativeSociology and AnthropologyPublic Safety and SecurityAdministration and Management
Core tasks

Listen and provide emotional support and encouragement to psychiatric patients.

Provide patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities with routine physical, emotional, psychological, or rehabilitation care under the direction of nursing or medical staff.

Complete physical checks and monitor patients to detect unusual or harmful behavior and report observations to professional staff.

Restrain or aid patients as necessary to prevent injury.

Work as part of a team that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, or social workers.

Record and maintain patient information, such as vital signs, eating habits, behavior, progress notes, treatments, or discharge plans.

Maintain patients' restrictions to assigned areas.

Organize, supervise, or encourage patient participation in social, educational, or recreational activities.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Psychiatric Aides?

The median pay for Psychiatric Aides is $44,910 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Psychiatric Aides?

Employment for Psychiatric Aides is projected to change -0.4% from 2024 to 2034 - declining.

What education is typically required for Psychiatric Aides?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

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

About 5,300 openings per year, on average, over the decade.