What Psychiatric Technicians do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Psychiatric Technicians this way: "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 core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff"; "Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities"; "Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them"; "Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges"; "Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is postsecondary nondegree award. Work experience in a related occupation is typically less than 5 years. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is short-term on-the-job training.
Job outlook for Psychiatric Technicians
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 161,500 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 197,500 in 2035, an increase of 36,000 jobs (+22.3%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 17,000 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 10.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,130, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Psychiatric Technicians earn the most
Across the 3 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $43,750 in Indiana to $45,672 in Arizona, a gap of $1,923 (1.04 times). 2 of those 3 states average above the BLS national median of $45,130 and 1 average at or below it.
Indiana employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 13,580, which is 42.9% of the 31,670 counted across them. Illinois follows with 10,010.
Highest-paying states
Arizona ($45,672), Illinois ($45,482) and Indiana ($43,750) lead the ranking, while Indiana ($43,750) and Illinois ($45,482) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Psychiatric Technicians: pay against the cost of living
We compare 3 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Lake County, IN (Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN) at $16,890. The smallest margin is $8,622 in Cook County, IL.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 3 of the 3 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 37.3% and 57.7% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Occupations related to Psychiatric Technicians
Surgical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (29-2000) include Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, Radiologic Technologists and Technicians, Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians.
Frequently asked questions about Psychiatric Technicians
How much do Psychiatric Technicians earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $45,130. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $43,750 to $45,672.
Which state pays Psychiatric Technicians the most?
Arizona, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $45,672. Illinois is next at $45,482.
Is Psychiatric Technicians a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 22.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 17,000 openings a year.
What education do Psychiatric Technicians need?
The typical entry-level education is postsecondary nondegree award, with work experience in a related occupation of less than 5 years and short-term on-the-job training, according to BLS.
Where can Psychiatric Technicians afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Lake County, IN leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $16,890 on a median wage of $46,060.