How much does a psychiatric technician make?
a year · about $22 an hour
A typical psychiatric technician in the United States makes $45,130 a year, about $22 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They listen as patients share concerns, watch for changes in mood or health, and write notes for the care team. They may lead therapy or recreation activities, help with daily care, and give prescribed medicines.
Did you know? Some psychiatric technicians may give medicine by injection, not just hand out pills, following a doctor's prescription and their facility's procedures.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $35,090 and $60,750How do you become one?
After high school, usually complete a postsecondary psychiatric-tech certificate and supervised job training. Some U.S. states require an approved program and licensing exam; employers may also ask for CPR or basic-life-support certification.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like helping and teaching and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, earnings can change with experience, state licenses or extra certificates, location, and employer type—BLS data show pay differs by state and care setting. Full-time, part-time, night, weekend, or holiday schedules can also mean different hours worked.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Oregon ($59,820), lowest in Louisiana ($31,440).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $35,090 | $45,130 | $60,750 | about 157,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $59,820 | about 1,000 |
| New York | $58,080 | about 2,000 |
| Nebraska | $57,370 | about 1,000 |
| Connecticut | $55,500 | about 1,000 |
| Hawaii | $55,150 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/psychiatric-technicians-and-aides.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/29-2053.00
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bvnpt.ca.gov/applicants/summary_pt.shtml
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY