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Healthcare

Psychiatric Technician

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.

Annual openings

222

Median wage

$47,430

Typical education

High school (GED), plus completion of an accredited Psychiatric Technician educational program.

Growth 2026–2032

+27%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED), plus completion of an accredited Psychiatric Technician educational program.

Credential requirement

Pass a Licensed Psychiatric Technician Exam. There is one available for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and one for Behavioral or Mental Health Disorders. Some employers value the Registered Behavior Tech or Assistant Behavior Analyst from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.

Work experience

This is an entry-level role so no experience is required.

Work-based learning

This can be an excellent way to gain experience as you complete a behavioral health degree.

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job

  • Health & Safety and Integrity — It is important to follow the rules and the boundaries of this position.
  • Customer Focus — Focusing on and understanding the client is the foundation for this job. You could spend extended time with one patient, so stamina and patience are required.
  • Psychology, Therapy and Counseling — The knowledge and ability to understand a patient’s behavior and provide the appropriate support.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills — Patients come from a variety of backgrounds, developing rapport and effective communication is essential. Good observation and documentation skills are important to communicate changes in a patient's status.
This job has been identified by employers as part of the lifeblood of the treatment process and a good pathway to higher-level roles. Salary can increase as a person completes their education.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Provide nursing, psychiatric, or personal care to patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
  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.
  3. Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required.
  4. Monitor patients' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to medical staff.
  5. Observe and influence patients' behavior, communicating and interacting with them and teaching, counseling, or befriending them.
  6. Aid patients in performing tasks, such as bathing or keeping beds, clothing, or living areas clean.
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