Psychiatric Technician (state hospitals)

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.

O*NET definition of Psychiatric Technicians (SOC 29-2053) · Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed.

Education workers say the job requires

Share of surveyed workers in Psychiatric Technicians (SOC 29-2053) naming each level as required to be hired, 26 respondents, O*NET survey August 2023. Each employer sets its own minimum.

To enter the occupation, psychiatric technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate, and aides need at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some states require technicians to be licensed. Both technicians and aides get on-the-job training.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Psychiatric Technicians and Aides”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Psychiatric Technician (state hospitals) in 10 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 10 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

1. Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.4.7
2. Encourage patients to develop work skills and to participate in social, recreational, or other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills or develop social relationships.4.5
3. Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.4.5
4. Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.4.5
5. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.4.3
6. Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.4.3
7. Take and record measures of patients' physical condition, using devices such as thermometers or blood pressure gauges.4.3
8. Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.4.2
9. Collaborate with or assist doctors, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities to treat, rehabilitate, and return patients to the community.4.2
10. Develop or teach strategies to promote client wellness and independence.4.0

The 10 most important of 12 core tasks for Psychiatric Technicians, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2023.