### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Psychiatric Technicians and Aides Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			psychiatric technicians and aides imagePsychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities.							
						Quick Facts:     Psychiatric Technicians and Aides2023     Median Pay
            						$39,610     per year
										$19.05     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    See How to Become OneWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    See How to Become OneOn-the-job Training
                                    Short-term on-the-job trainingNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    139,600Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    9% (Much faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    12,000What Psychiatric Technicians and Aides Do
                                                
                        
                        
Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental conditions or developmental disabilities.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Psychiatric technicians and aides work primarily in healthcare settings, such as psychiatric hospitals and residential mental health facilities. The work may be physically demanding, and technicians and aides risk injury on the job. Most are full time, but part-time work is common; schedules may include nights, weekends, or holidays in facilities that are open 24 hours.
            
                                                How to Become a Psychiatric Technician or Aide
                                                
                        
To enter the occupation, psychiatric technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate, and aides need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states require technicians to be licensed. Both technicians and aides get on-the-job training.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for psychiatric aides was $39,160 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $39,700 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of psychiatric technicians and aides is projected to grow							 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 15,200 openings for psychiatric technicians and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for psychiatric technicians and aides.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of psychiatric technicians and aides with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about psychiatric technicians and aides by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Psychiatric Technicians and Aides Do 
            

			Psychiatric technicians and aidesPsychiatric technicians may monitor patients' vital signs, such as taking their blood pressure.			
Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental or emotional conditions or developmental disabilities. Technicians typically monitor patients’ conditions and provide therapeutic care, such as overseeing their medications. Aides help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe and clean environment.
Duties
Psychiatric technicians, sometimes called mental health technicians, typically do the following:
Listen to patients' concerns, observe their behavior, and record their condition
Report changes in patient health or behavior to medical staff
Lead patients in therapeutic and recreational activities
Provide medications and other treatments to patients, following instructions from doctors and other medical professionals
Help with patient intake and discharge
Monitor patients’ vital signs, such as their blood pressure and body temperature
Help patients with daily living activities, including eating and bathing
Restrain patients who are or may become physically violentPsychiatric aides typically do the following:
Monitor patients’ behavior and location in a mental healthcare facility
Escort patients within a facility
Help patients with daily living activities, such as bathing and dressing
Serve meals and help patients eat
Keep facilities clean by doing tasks such as changing bed linens
Participate in or accompany patients to group activities, such as recreational sports or field trips
Restrain patients who are or may become physically violentSome psychiatric technicians and aides provide care to patients who have severe developmental disabilities or mental health issues. Others work with patients undergoing rehabilitation for drug and alcohol addiction. Their work varies based on the types of patients they work with.
Psychiatric technicians and aides work as part of a medical team under the direction of physicians or registered nurses. Other team members may include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, counselors, and therapists. For more information about the counselors and therapists they may work with, see the profiles on substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, rehabilitation counselors, and marriage and family therapists.
 Work Environment
			Psychiatric technicians and aidesPsychiatric technicians and aides work primarily in healthcare settings, such as hospitals.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Psychiatric aides held about 32,400 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of psychiatric aides were as follows:
        Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals; state, local, and private
                45%State government, excluding education and hospitals
                21General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private
                11Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
                5Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
                2Psychiatric technicians held about 107,100 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of psychiatric technicians were as follows:
        Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals; state, local, and private
                31%General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private
                14Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
                10Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
                9Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
                8Psychiatric technicians and aides may need to stand for long periods, and the work can be physically demanding. Some of their tasks are unpleasant, and it can be challenging to care for patients who are disoriented, uncooperative, or violent.
Despite their work’s challenges, however, psychiatric technicians and aides may find it rewarding. For example, their close contact with patients allows technicians and aides to have a positive influence on patients’ outlook and treatment.
Injuries and Illnesses
Psychiatric technicians and aides have some of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. Common injuries may include sprains and strains, such as from lifting and turning patients. Injuries also may result from working with patients who are physically uncooperative.
Psychiatric technicians and aides learn proper lifting techniques to minimize their risk of injury. In addition, these workers receive safety training to help with handling patients who may be a danger to themselves or others.
Work Schedule
Most psychiatric technicians and aides work full time, but part-time work is common. Because hospitals and residential facilities operate 24 hours a day, psychiatric technicians and aides may work nights, weekends, and holidays.
 How to Become a Psychiatric Technician or Aide

			Psychiatric technicians and aidesPsychiatric technicians observe patients’ behavior and listen to their concerns.			
To enter the occupation, psychiatric technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate, and aides need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states require technicians to be licensed. Both technicians and aides get on-the-job training.
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.
Other Experience
Employers may prefer that psychiatric technicians and aides have experience in a related occupation, such as having worked with people who have developmental disabilities or mental health conditions. Technician experience also may include a clinical component, which they can gain in occupations such as nursing assistant or licensed practical or licensed vocational nurse.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
Some states require psychiatric technicians to have a license. Requirements may include completing an accredited education program and passing an exam. Contact your state licensing board for additional information.
Psychiatric technicians may choose to earn optional certification. For example, the American Association of Psychiatric Technicians offers four levels of certification for psychiatric technicians. 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.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                    Psychiatric Technicians and AidesMedian annual wages, May 2023Total, all occupations$48,060  Psychiatric technicians$39,700  Psychiatric technicians and aides$39,610  Psychiatric aides$39,160Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for psychiatric aides was $39,160 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,660, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $55,240.The median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $39,700 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $31,150, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $59,990.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for psychiatric aides in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals; state, local, and private
                $41,790General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private
                38,820Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
                36,190State government, excluding education and hospitals
                36,190Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
                35,390In May 2023, the median annual wages for psychiatric technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Offices of mental health practitioners (except physicians)
                $41,610General medical and surgical hospitals; state, local, and private
                41,150Psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals; state, local, and private
                39,030Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
                37,670Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
                36,640Most psychiatric technicians and aides work full time, but part-time work is common. Because hospitals and residential facilities operate 24 hours a day, psychiatric technicians and aides may work nights, weekends, and holidays.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                    Psychiatric Technicians and AidesPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Psychiatric technicians10%  Psychiatric technicians and aides9%  Psychiatric aides5%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of psychiatric technicians and aides is projected to grow				 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 15,200 openings for psychiatric technicians and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Projected employment of psychiatric technicians and aides varies by occupation (see table). Cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, are more likely to occur in older people. As the nation’s population of older people grows, demand is expected to increase for psychiatric technicians and aides who care for patients affected by such disorders.
Psychiatric technicians and aides also will be needed to care for people who have mental health and substance abuse issues.
			

                        Employment projections data for     psychiatric technicians and aides, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Psychiatric technicians and aides**
			—
			139,600
			151,500
			9
			12,000
			—**Psychiatric technicians**
			29-2053
			107,100
			117,500
			10
			10,400
			Get data**Psychiatric aides**
			31-1133
			32,400
			34,000
			5
			1,600
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Psychiatric aides
					Psychiatric technicians **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of psychiatric technicians and aides. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Childcare Workers**
            Childcare workers attend to children's needs while helping to foster early development.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $30,370**Home Health and Personal Care Aides**
            Home health and personal care aides monitor the condition of people with disabilities or chronic illnesses and help them with daily living activities.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $33,530**Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses**
            Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic medical care.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $59,730**Medical Assistants**
            Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks, such as scheduling appointments and taking patients’ vital signs.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $42,000**Nursing Assistants and Orderlies**
            Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas.
            See How to Become One
            $38,130**Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides**
            Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working.
            See How to Become One
            $65,450**Registered Nurses**
            Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
            Bachelor's degree
            $86,070**Social and Human Service Assistants**
            Social and human service assistants provide client services in a variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $41,410
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about psychiatric technicians and aides, visit
American Association of Psychiatric Technicians

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Psychiatric AidesPsychiatric Technicians
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychiatric Technicians and Aides, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/psychiatric-technicians-and-aides.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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