Psychiatric Aides Salary in California
The median pay for a psychiatric aides in California is $42,970/year ($20.66/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $36K at the entry level to $75K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across California. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $43K get you in California?
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level psychiatric aides (10th percentile) start around $36K. Mid-career wages sit at $43K. Top earners bring in $75K or more, a $39K spread from bottom to top.
Psychiatric Aides salary by metro in California
5 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno | $71K | +65% | N/A |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $46K | +7% | 320 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $44K | +2% | 170 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $38K | -12% | 220 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $38K | -12% | 1,060 |
Compare to other states
Track psychiatric aides salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do psychiatric aides make in California?
The median is $42,970 a year, that works out to about $21 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $36,350, and experienced psychiatric aides can clear $75,000. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $43K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,972/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,471/month, which eats 83.1% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a psychiatric aides salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median psychiatric aides salary is worth about $40,484 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do psychiatric aides get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.