What is the salary of a Psychiatric Technician?

The typical salary range is $29,812 - $59,625 per year.

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Medical & WelfareGrowingBright Outlook

Psychiatric Technician

Operational-level

Also known as: Autism Behavior Technician (Autism Behavior Tech), Behavior Technician (Behavior Tech), Behavioral Health Associate, Behavioral Technician (Behavioral Tech)

Medical & WelfareBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.

Psychiatric CareMental Health SupportBehavioral HealthPsychologyHealthcareSocial WorkHuman ServicesPatient CareMedical Careers

A Day in the Life

You arrive at Memorial Hospital's behavioral health unit, the fluorescent lights already buzzing. After changing into your scrubs, you head to the nursing station, grabbing a secure tablet. Your shift starts with a comprehensive handover from the outgoing night technician. You review electronic health records (EHR) on the computer system, noting any overnight incidents or changes in patient status. Today, you're assigned to the adolescent wing, ensuring you’re up-to-date on each patient’s care plan and current needs.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Bright Outlook

O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.

Projected growth

+22.3%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

17,000

per year (US)

Jobs today

161,500

in 2025 → 197,500 (2035)

Typical entry education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

High

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

Moderate

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

Moderate

Indoor, climate-controlled

High

Dealing with customers

Low

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Growing Job Market

The job outlook for Psychiatric Technicians is very positive, with rapid growth projected through 2035. About 17,000 openings are expected each year, offering excellent opportunities for those entering the field. Typically, an Associate's Degree is required, and with experience, you can advance to specialized roles or leadership positions within mental healthcare.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Patient Care Assistant
Nursing Assistant
Medical Assistant

Psychiatric Technician

Where it can lead

Psychiatric Nurse
Mental Health Counselor
Behavioral Therapist

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely assist Psychiatric Technicians by automating administrative tasks and providing advanced tools for patient monitoring and data analysis. This could free up time for direct patient interaction and personalize care plans, though technicians will need to adapt to using these new technologies.

Salary

$45,130

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position