Psychiatric technicians
SOC Code: 29-2053Also known as:
Autism Behavior Technician (Autism Behavior Tech), Behavior Technician (Behavior Tech), Behavioral Health Associate, Behavioral Technician (Behavioral Tech), BHT (Behavioral Health Technician)
Median Annual Salary
$42,590
+20.0% growth (2024-2034)
16K
Openings/Year
145K
Current Jobs
What Psychiatric technicians 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.
💰 Salary
$42,590
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+20.0%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
16K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Short-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
144,500
Projected Employment (2034)
173,300
Related Careers
Psychiatric aides
$41,590 •
-0.4% growth
Occupational therapy assistants
$68,340 •
+19.2% growth
Occupational therapy aides
$37,370 •
+2.5% growth
Physical therapist assistants
$65,510 •
+22.0% growth
Physical therapist aides
$34,520 •
+2.8% growth
Top Skills Required
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Monitoring
Speaking
Coordination
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
- 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.
- 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.
- Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.
- Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.
- Collaborate with or assist doctors, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.
- Develop or teach strategies to promote client wellness and independence.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Some College
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Psychiatric technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a psychiatric technicians:
Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
2,601 degrees awarded •
72 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Psychiatric technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become psychiatric technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do psychiatric technicians make?
The median annual salary for psychiatric technicians is $42,590.
What education do psychiatric technicians need?
Most psychiatric technicians positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician.
Is becoming psychiatric technicians a good career choice?
Psychiatric technicians is projected to see +20.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 15,900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for psychiatric technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring psychiatric technicians include
Grand Canyon University, University of Maine at Augusta, Northcentral Technical College, CUNY LaGuardia Community College, Gateway Technical 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 technicians?
Psychiatric technicians may also be known as: Autism Behavior Technician (Autism Behavior Tech), Behavior Technician (Behavior Tech), Behavioral Health Associate, Behavioral Technician (Behavioral Tech), BHT (Behavioral Health Technician), Counselor, Health Care Technician (Health Care Tech), LPT (Licensed Psychiatric Technician), Mental Health Associate, Mental Health Specialist, Mental Health Technician (MHT), MHA (Mental Health Assistant), MHW (Mental Health Worker), Milieu Therapist, Patient Care Specialist, Psychiatric Assistant, Psychiatric Safety Tech (Psychiatric Safety Technician), Psychiatric Technician (PT), Psychology Associate, Psychology Technician (Psychology Tech).
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.