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Community, Social & Government Services career
Psychiatric Technician
Also called: Psych Tech · Mental Health Technician · Behavioral Health Technician · Psychiatric Aide
What psychiatric technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a psychiatric technician do?
Psychiatric technicians care for people with mental illness and developmental disabilities, monitoring patients, leading activities, helping with treatment and responding to crises. The median pay is $45,130 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1 year or less, and employment is projected to grow +22.3% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$45,130$21.70/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+22.3%2025–35, much faster than average
- Openings per year17,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationPostsecondary nondegree awardBLS classification
- Time to train1 year or lessTypical program length
- U.S. jobs161,500Employment, 2025
What psychiatric technicians do
Psychiatric technicians support patients in hospitals and treatment programs. They monitor patients’ behavior and vital signs, help with daily activities, lead therapeutic groups and activities, give medications where state law allows, de-escalate crises and report changes to nurses and doctors.
Most psych techs complete a postsecondary certificate program, and some states license them. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average.
Typical duties
- Monitor patients’ behavior and safety
- Take vital signs
- Help with daily living activities
- Lead therapeutic activities and groups
- Give medications where permitted
- De-escalate crises
- Document observations
Work environment and schedule
Psych techs work in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, developmental disability facilities and correctional settings.
Schedule: Facilities run 24/7, so shifts include nights, weekends and holidays.
A day in the life
- Take report from the night shift.
- Complete safety rounds and vital signs.
- Lead a coping skills group.
- Help a patient with personal care.
See a full day in the life of a psychiatric technician →
Psychiatric Technician salary
Half of psychiatric technicians earned more than $45,130 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $35,090 for the lowest 10% to $60,750 for the top 10%.
Full psychiatric technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a psychiatric technician
- Get care experience
- Complete a program
- Get licensed if required
- Get hired
- Advance
A postsecondary certificate is typical, and some states license psych techs. Experience in care settings helps.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a psychiatric technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Patient observation
- De-escalation
- Vital signs
- Therapeutic activities
- Documentation
People skills
- Patience
- Calmness
- Empathy
- Teamwork
All psychiatric technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Much faster-than-average growth
- Help vulnerable people
- Short training path
- Step toward nursing or counseling
Cons
- Risk of aggression
- Emotionally demanding
- Shift work
- Modest pay
Certifications and licenses
- State psychiatric technician license: Required in some states.
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification: De-escalation training.
- BLS CPR: Basic life support.
- AAPT certification: American Association of Psychiatric Technicians.
Career path
- Mental Health Aide: Support patients.
- Psychiatric Technician: Provide care.
- Lead Tech: Lead shifts.
- Nurse or Counselor: Advance with education.
Learn the job before day one
Our Psychiatric Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as de-escalate an agitated patient and conduct safety rounds, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Psych Tech vs. LPN · Psych Tech vs. Addiction Counselor · Psych Tech vs. Residential Advisor · Psych Tech vs. Home Health Aide
Psychiatric Technician FAQ
Do psych techs need a license?
Some states require one.
Is the field growing?
Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.
Is the job dangerous?
Aggression is a risk, managed with training and teamwork.
How much does a psychiatric technician make?
The median annual wage for psychiatric technicians was $45,130 ($21.70 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $35,090 and the highest 10% earned more than $60,750.
How long does it take to become a psychiatric technician?
Most people need about 1 year or less of training. A postsecondary certificate is typical, and some states license psych techs. Experience in care settings helps.
Do you need a degree to be a psychiatric technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus short-term on-the-job training.
More psychiatric technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 29-2053 (Psychiatric technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Psychiatric technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.