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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Psychiatric Technicians

Median Salary
39,700
Job Outlook
+7%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

60%

Private not for profit

20%

State and local government

17%

Self-employed

3%

Federal Government

1%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of psychiatric technicians and aides is projected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 18,400 openings for psychiatric technicians and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$19,760

10%

$39,700

Median

$65,200

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Some college

    40%

  • Bachelor's degree

    29%

  • High school

    19%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    5%

  • Associate's degree

    3%

  • Master's degree

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Psychology
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.