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.
SOC: 31-1133.00
Common Job Titles
Mental Health Worker (MHW)
Psychiatric Aide
Residential Care Tech (Residential Care Technician)
Therapeutic Program Worker (TPW)
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeAssess patient behavioral patterns and mental status changes through continuous monitoring and social perceptiveness, collaborating with interdisciplinary mental health teams.
Proficient
MindsetEngage mentally impaired and emotionally disturbed patients in daily living activities and therapeutic interactions in psychiatric care settings, demonstrating empathy and patience under nursing supervision.
Developing
Hands-onExecute safe patient handling and mobility assistance techniques using hydraulic lifts and wheelchairs, following established safety protocols.
Developing
MindsetRespect patient dignity and autonomy during personal care activities when assisting with bathing, grooming, and toileting needs in psychiatric inpatient units.
Developing
KnowledgeApply crisis intervention techniques and de-escalation strategies when managing aggressive or violent patient behaviors, ensuring safety of all individuals.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret patient behaviors and symptoms within psychological frameworks to report relevant observations to nursing and medical staff accurately and promptly.
Developing
Hands-onPerform basic vital signs measurements and specimen collection using digital thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, and collection containers following clinical protocols.
Developing
Hands-onExecute physical restraint procedures according to therapeutic holds training as a last resort during psychiatric emergencies, adhering to legal and ethical standards.
Developing
KnowledgeDemonstrate therapeutic communication skills and active listening techniques to build rapport with patients experiencing mental health crises and facilitate treatment compliance.
Developing
KnowledgePrepare accurate patient documentation and behavioral incident reports using patient management software and electronic health records, maintaining confidentiality and compliance standards.
Developing
MindsetSupport patients in educational, recreational, and therapeutic group activities by facilitating structured programs that promote socialization and skill development.
Developing
KnowledgeCoordinate patient transportation and accompaniment to examinations and treatments ensuring timely arrival and continuity of care across clinical departments.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Psychiatric Aides (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
34,900
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $30,920. 25th percentile: U.S. $35,930. 50th percentile: U.S. $41,590. 75th percentile: U.S. $48,770. 90th percentile: U.S. $58,530. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$30,920
10% of workers earn the following or more
$58,530
Workers on average earn
$43,610
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Psychology4.0/5
Customer and Personal Service3.6/5
Therapy and Counseling3.1/5
English Language3.1/5
Administrative3.0/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
