Psychiatric Aide Salary in 2026
How Much Do Psychiatric Aides Make?
Psychiatric Aides earn a median annual salary of $41,590 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $30,920 at the 10th percentile to $58,530 at the 90th percentile — a range of $27,610. The highest-paying state is New Hampshire at $55,690.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $30,920 |
| 25th percentile | $35,930 |
| Median (50th) | $41,590 |
| 75th percentile | $48,770 |
| 90th percentile | $58,530 |
Psychiatric Aide Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Hampshiretop | $55,690 |
| New York | $53,270 |
| Massachusetts | $51,250 |
| Washington | $51,080 |
| Colorado | $50,690 |
| Nevada | $50,250 |
| Minnesota | $49,720 |
| Rhode Island | $48,270 |
| Illinois | $47,650 |
| Alaska | $46,950 |
| Oregon | $46,650 |
| Vermont | $46,490 |
| New Jersey | $46,390 |
| Connecticut | $46,260 |
| Texas | $45,780 |
| Ohio | $44,530 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,620 |
| Indiana | $43,220 |
| Maryland | $43,050 |
| California | $42,970 |
| Maine | $41,590 |
| Missouri | $38,680 |
| Kentucky | $37,700 |
| Florida | $37,150 |
| Kansas | $37,050 |
| Michigan | $36,890 |
| Montana | $36,390 |
| North Carolina | $36,190 |
| Virginia | $36,170 |
| Oklahoma | $36,100 |
| Georgia | $36,060 |
| Iowa | $35,720 |
| Utah | $35,390 |
| Arkansas | $34,890 |
| South Carolina | $32,860 |
| West Virginia | $32,650 |
| Mississippi | $30,660 |
| Louisiana | $29,340 |
| Alabama | $29,320 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Psychiatric Aides
Psychiatric Aide Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$30,920 – $35,930 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$41,590 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$48,770 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $58,530+ |
How to Earn More as a Psychiatric Aide
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Psychiatric Aides in Utica-Rome, NY earn $68,180 — $26,590 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($48,770) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Psychiatric Aide Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Psychiatric Aidethis career | $41,590 |
| Mental Health Counselor | N/A |
| Healthcare Social Worker | $68,090 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $60,060 |
| Recreational Therapist | $60,280 |
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SOC: 31-1133.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.