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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Psychiatric Aides

Median Salary
39,160
Job Outlook
+7%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of psychiatric technicians and aides is projected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 18,400 openings for psychiatric technicians and aides are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$28,180

10%

$39,160

Median

$55,120

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Some college

    45%

  • High school

    24%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    16%

  • Associate's degree

    9%

  • Bachelor's degree

    4%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Psychiatric/Mental Health Services Technician
  • Health Aide

Skills and Interest

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Administrative
  • Computers and Electronics

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.