Psychiatric technicians and aides
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$42,200
~$20/hr · ~$3,517/mo
US Jobs
183K
Much faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
3/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 3/10
The core of this occupation involves physical tasks such as bathing, feeding, and physically restraining patients, which AI cannot perform. While AI can assist with monitoring patient behavior and automating documentation or reporting, the high requirement for real-time human presence, physical stamina, and interpersonal compassion creates a significant barrier to automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stockton-Lodi, CABEST VALUE | $91,910 | Above avg (107.6) | $85,444 |
| Visalia, CA | $77,340 | Average (101.5) | $76,212 |
| Vallejo, CA | $82,170 | Above avg (109.4) | $75,138 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $82,440 | Above avg (110.3) | $74,773 |
| Fresno, CA | $75,420 | Above avg (104.0) | $72,516 |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $70,010 | Average (98.2) | $71,330 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $71,330 | Above avg (107.3) | $66,452 |
| Madison, WI | $62,130 | Below avg (95.9) | $64,763 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley, WA | $64,770 | Average (100.9) | $64,176 |
| Lincoln, NE | $57,840 | Below avg (91.9) | $62,943 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | $71,090 | Above avg (113.7) | $62,509 |
| Salem, OR | $63,820 | Average (102.5) | $62,288 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $70,370 | Above avg (117.6) | $59,863 |
| El Centro, CA | $58,310 | Average (100.2) | $58,222 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $48,600 | Below avg (87.2) | $55,746 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Varies by employer
10-Year Growth
+16% (Much faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$20/hr
Monthly Income
~$3,517/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)