Psychiatric aides
SOC Code: 31-1133Also known as:
Behavior Aide, Behavior Assistant, Behavior Intervention Assistant, Behavior Support Assistant, Behavioral Aide
Median Annual Salary
$41,590
-0.4% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
39K
Current Jobs
What Psychiatric aides 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.
💰 Salary
$41,590
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
-0.4%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
38,500
Projected Employment (2034)
38,300
Related Careers
Psychiatric technicians
$42,590 •
+20.0% growth
Occupational therapy assistants
$68,340 •
+19.2% growth
Occupational therapy aides
$37,370 •
+2.5% growth
Physical therapist aides
$34,520 •
+2.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Social Perceptiveness
Service Orientation
Active Listening
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Provide patients with assistance in bathing, dressing, or grooming, demonstrating these skills as necessary.
- Aid patients in becoming accustomed to hospital routines.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Some College
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Psychiatric aides
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a psychiatric aides:
Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
2,601 degrees awarded •
72 colleges offer this program
Health Aide
488 degrees awarded •
17 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Psychiatric aides
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become psychiatric aides.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do psychiatric aides make?
The median annual salary for psychiatric aides is $41,590.
What education do psychiatric aides need?
Most psychiatric aides positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician, Health Aide.
Is becoming psychiatric aides a good career choice?
Psychiatric aides is projected to see -0.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which reflects some decline in the field. With approximately 5,300 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for psychiatric aides?
Top colleges for aspiring psychiatric aides include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, Grand Canyon University, University of Maine at Augusta, Northcentral Technical College, CUNY LaGuardia Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to psychiatric aides?
Psychiatric aides may also be known as: Behavior Aide, Behavior Assistant, Behavior Intervention Assistant, Behavior Support Assistant, Behavioral Aide, Behavioral Assistant, Behavioral Health Assistant, BHA (Behavioral Health Aide), Charge Aide, Charge Attendant, Clinical Assistant, Developmental Aide, Direct Care Worker, Health Service Worker, Mental Health Aide (MHA), Mental Health Assistant, Mental Health Associate, Mental Health Orderly, Mental Health Program Assistant, Mental Health Worker (MHW).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.