📚 Education & Social Services ↑ 8% growth · Faster than average

Mental Health Technician (MHT) / Psychiatric Technician

MHTs (also called psych techs or behavioral health techs) work directly with psychiatric patients in inpatient units, residential facilities, and crisis centers. Entry-level, immediate hire, and a meaningful first step into behavioral health.

$37,380 Median Salary
82K US Jobs
1–6 months Training
$500–$5,000 Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$29,000
Median
$37,380
Experienced
$52,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

8%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Faster than average
82K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
BHT Certification
Required Credential
BHT Certification (BHCOE or state)

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
BHT/MHT Certificate or on-the-job training
Program Length
1–6 months
Typical Tuition
$500–$5,000
Work Setting
Psychiatric hospitals, crisis stabilization units, residential treatment
🏆 Credential Required: BHT Certification (BHCOE or state)

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Mental Health Technician (MHT) / Psychiatric Technician involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Psychiatric hospitals environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Mental Health Technician (MHT) / Psychiatric Technician by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC