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Psychiatric Aides

Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.

Median salary (BLS)

$44,910

10th–90th percentile (BLS)

$32k – $60k

Job outlook

No separate BLS projection for this specific role

AI exposure

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Education

Typical entry: No degree required

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How to qualify

EstimateLicense required

Cost to qualify

$200–$1,150

Time to qualify

8 mo

Renewal

$75/yr

  1. 1

    High school diploma or GED

    Course

    Expected by most employers; if you need the GED, test fees run $0–$150 depending on the state.

    $0–$150 · 3 months · varies by state source

  2. 2

    On-the-job training

    Experience

    Employer-provided and typically paid — days to a few months for most no-degree roles.

    Cost varies · 3 months source

  3. 3

    National & state licensure

    License

    A national board/registry exam plus a state license application (the NCLEX pattern). Exact exam and fees depend on the role and state.

    $200–$1,000 · 2 months · varies by state · renews every 2 yr source

Estimated typical U.S. route for "Psychiatric Aides" — built from BLS education requirements and College Board 2024–25 average published prices (public, in-state tuition + fees + books). Not yet verified against a specific state's licensing rules — confirm with your state licensing board or program.

Typical progression

  1. Junior Psychiatric Aides

    Entry / Junior

    $32,090

    ~2 yrs to advance

  2. Psychiatric Aides

    Established

    $44,910

    ~3 yrs to advance

  3. Senior Psychiatric Aides

    Senior

    $52,675

Key skills

A typical day

  • •Listen and provide emotional support and encouragement to psychiatric patients.
  • •Provide patients with cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities with routine physical, emotional, psychological, or rehabilitation care under the direction of nursing or medical staff.
  • •Complete physical checks and monitor patients to detect unusual or harmful behavior and report observations to professional staff.
  • •Restrain or aid patients as necessary to prevent injury.
  • •Work as part of a team that may include psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, or social workers.

Fields of study

Any field

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