Psychiatric Technicians
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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Psychiatric Technicians to increase by 22.3% between 2024 and 2034, from 161,500 to 197,500 jobs. Its estimate of 17,000 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($45,130), education (Postsecondary nondegree award), and related experience (Less than 5 years) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
161,500
Projected employment (2034)
197,500
Projected change (2024–2034)
22%
Annual openings (projected average)
17,000
Pay & Preparation
$45,130
Postsecondary nondegree award
Less than 5 years
Short-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Social Perceptiveness (4.12/5) • Active Listening (4/5) • Monitoring (4/5) • Coordination (3.88/5) • Speaking (3.88/5) • Reading Comprehension (3.75/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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