Psychiatric Technician - DC Health Care Workforce Partnership

Psychiatric Technician

Psychiatric technicians care for individuals with mental or emotional conditions or disabilities, by following the instructions of physicians or other health practitioners. They monitor their patients’ physical and emotional well-being and report to medical staff. Psychiatric technicians may also participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and administer oral or injectable medications.

Psychiatric technicians work in mental health facilities, and hospitals.

Most psychiatric technicians are required to train in vocational schools, or obtain an associate’s degree. Obtaining a certification is voluntary for this position.

Pay & Position Type

Entry-Level
The median annual wage for psychiatric technicians in the District is $61,340.
The median hourly wage in the District of Columbia is $29.49.

Job Outlook

The projected growth for the psychiatric technician position is 11% between 2020 and 2030. There will be about 30 new job openings annually between 2020 and 2030.

I want to help others improve their lives and create positive change in their lives. I grew up living with a relative with mental illness and felt so helpless. This profession gives me a sense of meaning and purpose that I never knew existed.

The DC Health Care Workforce Partnership is managed by the District of Columbia Hospital Association Program Services Company, Inc.

The DC Health Care Workforce Partnership is funded wholly or in part by the Government of the District of Columbia Workforce Investment Council (WIC).