Psychiatric Technicians: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 136,300 psychiatric technicians, and they earn a median of $42,590/year. The range runs from $33K to $60K. District of Columbia pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level psychiatric technicians start around $33K. The gap between that and the median ($43K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $60K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $65K | 450 |
| California | $62K | 8,830 |
| New Jersey | $58K | 2,010 |
| New York | $58K | 1,770 |
| Massachusetts | $52K | 3,600 |
| Hawaii | $52K | 1,630 |
| Oregon | $52K | 1,620 |
| Washington | $51K | 1,410 |
| Connecticut | $50K | 1,280 |
| Alaska | $49K | 330 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a psychiatric technicians make?▼
The median psychiatric technicians salary in the United States is $42,590 per year ($20/hour). Entry-level positions start around $32,980, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,150.
What education do you need to become a psychiatric technicians?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for psychiatric technicians?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for psychiatric technicians.
What are the highest paying states for psychiatric technicians?▼
The highest paying states for psychiatric technicians are District of Columbia ($65,060), California ($61,620), New Jersey ($58,000), New York ($57,630), Massachusetts ($52,290). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.