Psychiatric Aides
Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Psychiatric Aides to increase by 1.9% between 2024 and 2034, from 36,900 to 37,600 jobs. Its estimate of 4,900 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($44,910), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) 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)
36,900
Projected employment (2034)
37,600
Projected change (2024–2034)
2%
Annual openings (projected average)
4,900
Pay & Preparation
$44,910
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Short-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Speaking (3.88/5) • Service Orientation (3.88/5) • Social Perceptiveness (3.88/5) • Active Listening (3.75/5) • Monitoring (3.75/5) • Critical Thinking (3.38/5)
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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