Psychiatric Technician Salary in 2026
How Much Do Psychiatric Technicians Make?
Psychiatric Technicians earn a median annual salary of $42,590 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $32,980 at the 10th percentile to $60,150 at the 90th percentile — a range of $27,170. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $65,060.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,980 |
| 25th percentile | $37,170 |
| Median (50th) | $42,590 |
| 75th percentile | $48,910 |
| 90th percentile | $60,150 |
Psychiatric Technician Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| District of Columbiatop | $65,060 |
| California | $61,620 |
| New Jersey | $58,000 |
| New York | $57,630 |
| Massachusetts | $52,290 |
| Hawaii | $52,180 |
| Oregon | $51,640 |
| Washington | $51,000 |
| Connecticut | $50,170 |
| Alaska | $49,340 |
| Nebraska | $48,740 |
| Minnesota | $48,600 |
| Illinois | $48,550 |
| Rhode Island | $48,520 |
| New Hampshire | $48,340 |
| Colorado | $48,320 |
| Nevada | $47,820 |
| Vermont | $46,660 |
| Virginia | $46,040 |
| Georgia | $43,490 |
| Missouri | $43,300 |
| Maine | $43,260 |
| Arizona | $43,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $40,850 |
| Florida | $39,930 |
| Idaho | $39,740 |
| Iowa | $39,670 |
| North Carolina | $39,360 |
| Utah | $39,340 |
| Michigan | $39,230 |
| Indiana | $39,140 |
| Maryland | $39,020 |
| North Dakota | $38,770 |
| Wisconsin | $38,760 |
| Kansas | $38,700 |
| South Carolina | $38,540 |
| Texas | $38,460 |
| Tennessee | $37,970 |
| Kentucky | $37,850 |
| Montana | $37,850 |
| Ohio | $37,500 |
| New Mexico | $37,300 |
| Delaware | $37,020 |
| Oklahoma | $36,200 |
| Alabama | $35,200 |
| Arkansas | $33,090 |
| West Virginia | $30,890 |
| Louisiana | $30,040 |
| Mississippi | $29,970 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Psychiatric Technicians
Psychiatric Technician 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) | ~$32,980 – $37,170 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$42,590 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$48,910 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $60,150+ |
How to Earn More as a Psychiatric Technician
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Psychiatric Technicians in Stockton-Lodi, CA earn $91,910 — $49,320 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($48,910) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Psychiatric Technician Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Psychiatric Technicianthis career | $42,590 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologist | $95,830 |
| Mental Health Counselor | N/A |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker | $60,060 |
| Occupational Therapist | $98,340 |
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SOC: 29-2053.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.