Psychiatric Technicians
Psychiatric technicians provide direct care to patients with mental health and emotional conditions under the supervision of physicians and other health professionals. They work in hospitals, mental health clinics, residential facilities, and psychiatric units, monitoring patients' physical and emotional well-being while assisting with treatment programs and daily activities.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against psychiatric technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves monitoring patient behavior and vital signs, documenting observations for medical staff, assisting with therapeutic activities and rehabilitation programs, and helping patients with personal care tasks. Psychiatric technicians may conduct group activities, respond to patient needs on a psychiatric unit, and communicate changes in patient status to nurses or doctors. Shifts often include evenings, nights, and weekends.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You'd do well in this work if you're drawn to helping people understand and manage difficult situations while also paying close attention to details and patterns in behavior. You likely enjoy both direct interaction with others and analyzing what you observe to support their care and treatment.
What it takes
Preparation: Medium preparation (vocational training, an associate degree, or related experience). Most people in this occupation hold a certificate or training program.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $47,880 | $67,430 | $78,460 | 380 |
| Oregon | $46,290 | $59,820 | $66,840 | 1,250 |
| New York | $46,630 | $58,080 | $72,500 | 2,040 |
| Nebraska | $45,570 | $57,370 | $61,650 | 1,390 |
| Connecticut | $48,050 | $55,500 | $70,000 | 1,040 |
| Hawaii | $50,400 | $55,150 | $59,870 | 2,060 |
| New Jersey | $46,580 | $54,040 | $60,610 | 2,520 |
| Washington | $46,360 | $52,470 | $61,990 | 1,920 |
| Massachusetts | $46,780 | $52,000 | $59,610 | 5,340 |
| Alaska | $49,130 | $51,650 | $66,310 | 340 |
| California | $46,620 | $49,140 | $74,390 | 14,100 |
| Rhode Island | $45,130 | $48,520 | $51,650 | 990 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician 1 (NCPT) — American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Inc.
- Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician 2 (NCPT) — American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Inc.
- Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician 3 (NCPT) — American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Inc.
- Nationally Certified Psychiatric Technician 4 (NCPT) — American Association of Psychiatric Technicians, Inc.
- Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Practitioner (CPRP) — Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association
- Technician Certification in Neurofeedback — Biofeedback Certification International Alliance
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against psychiatric technicians and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 29-2053.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.