Shigoto Zukan
日本語

How to become psychiatric aideseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Caregiving Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$44,910
25th–75th pct. $37,750–$49,950
Top pay (est.)
$78,600
Top 10% $60,440
Pay in 5 years
$52,300est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$60,900est.
$52,400–$70,700
Outlook score
51/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
24%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+1.9%
4,900 openings / yr

How to become psychiatric aides

Typical education
High school diploma or equivalent
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
Short-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Psychiatric Aides

Key skills

Social Perceptiveness
4.1
Monitoring
3.8
Coordination
3.6
Critical Thinking
3.4
Reading Comprehension
3.2
Service Orientation
3.2
Learning Strategies
3.1
Active Listening
3.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Psychology
4.5
Customer and Personal Service
4.1
Therapy and Counseling
3.6
Administrative
3.1
Computers and Electronics
2.7
Philosophy and Theology
2.7
Education and Training
2.6
Public Safety and Security
2.6

What the work involves

Assisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDocumenting/Recording InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesTraining and Teaching OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Important abilities

Oral ComprehensionProblem SensitivityOral ExpressionNear VisionDeductive ReasoningStatic Strength

Education of workers

Some college
46%
High school diploma
24%
Post-secondary certificate
16%
Associate's degree
10%
Bachelor's degree
4%

Training before entry

1–3 months
42%
Up to 1 month
35%
6–12 months
9%
None / short demo
7%
2–4 years
6%
1–2 years
1%
3–6 months
1%

Related work experience

6–12 months
23%
None
22%
Up to 1 month
21%
1–2 years
20%
2–4 years
8%
3–6 months
7%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as psychiatric aides

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.