How to become a psychiatric technician

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

What psychiatric technicians do

• 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.
• Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
• 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.

Skills that matter most

• Active Listening
• Monitoring
• Speaking
• Reading Comprehension
• Critical Thinking
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is psychiatric technician a good career?

On the numbers, this job is close to the average across occupations. Median pay is 11% below the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• District of Columbia $67,430
• Oregon $59,820
• New York $58,080
• Nebraska $57,370
• Connecticut $55,500

Psychiatric Technicians salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.