Psychiatric Technicians

SOC code 29-2053 · O*NET-SOC 29-2053.00 · Medium preparation needed · Healthcare

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation

Psychiatric Technicians pay

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

Median pay

$45,130

a year

Hourly

$21.70

per hour

10th$35,090Median$45,13090th$60,750

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

Average pay

$46,610

$22.41 per hour

Middle 50%

$38,430 – $50,160

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$35,090 – $60,750

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

156,960

nationwide

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

10th percentile: $35,090; $16.87/hr
25th percentile: $38,430; $18.48/hr
Median percentile: $45,130; $21.70/hr
75th percentile: $50,160; $24.12/hr
90th percentile: $60,750; $29.21/hr

What does a psychiatric technician do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
Administer oral medications or hypodermic injections, following physician's prescriptions and hospital procedures.
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.
Issue medications from dispensary and maintain records in accordance with specified 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.

How to become a psychiatric technician

Most people in this role hold some college courses — 40% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Some College Courses40%
Bachelor's Degree30%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)20%
Post-Secondary Certificate5%

Common questions

How much does a psychiatric technician earn?

The national median is $45,130 a year. The full range runs from $35,090 at the 10th percentile to $60,750 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 technician without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening4.0/5
Monitoring4.0/5
Speaking3.9/5
Reading Comprehension3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.6/5
Writing3.3/5

Knowledge areas

Psychology4.2/5
Therapy and Counseling4.1/5
English Language4.1/5
Customer and Personal Service4.0/5
Medicine and Dentistry3.7/5
Education and Training3.5/5
Public Safety and Security3.5/5
Law and Government3.2/5

Transferable strengths: Social Perceptiveness, Coordination, Service Orientation, Instructing.