Psychiatric Aides

SOC code 31-1133 · O*NET-SOC 31-1133.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Healthcare

Psychiatric Aides pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$44,910

a year

Hourly

$21.59

per hour

10th$32,090Median$44,91090th$60,440

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$45,690

$21.97 per hour

Middle 50%

$37,750 – $49,950

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$32,090 – $60,440

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

35,520

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $32,090; $15.43/hr
25th percentile: $37,750; $18.15/hr
Median percentile: $44,910; $21.59/hr
75th percentile: $49,950; $24.01/hr
90th percentile: $60,440; $29.06/hr

What does a psychiatric aide do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.

How to become a psychiatric aide

Most people in this role hold some college courses — 46% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Some College Courses46%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)24%
Post-Secondary Certificate16%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree10%

Common questions

How much does a psychiatric aide earn?

The national median is $44,910 a year. The full range runs from $32,090 at the 10th percentile to $60,440 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a psychiatric aide without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking3.9/5
Active Listening3.8/5
Monitoring3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.4/5
Active Learning3.3/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Writing3.1/5

Knowledge areas

Psychology4.0/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Therapy and Counseling3.1/5
English Language3.1/5
Administrative3.0/5
Sociology and Anthropology3.0/5
Public Safety and Security2.9/5
Administration and Management2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Coordination.