Post job

Behavioral health technician vs technician

The differences between behavioral health technicians and technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a technician has an average salary of $38,045, which is higher than the $34,611 average annual salary of a behavioral health technician.

The top three skills for a behavioral health technician include patients, behavioral health and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Behavioral health technician vs technician overview

Behavioral Health TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$34,611$38,045
Hourly rate$16.64$18.29
Growth rate9%1%
Number of jobs99,503596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age3440
Years of experience-2

What does a behavioral health technician do?

A behavioral health technician participates in treating patients with behavioral problems caused by mental health issues. They are primarily responsible for monitoring the behavior of the patient, following the guidelines of treatment from a mental health professional, and regularly reporting any progress or problems. Moreover, a behavioral health technician must also carry out administrative tasks, which include producing reports and assessments, answering inquiries and correspondence, maintaining schedules, and keeping records. Furthermore, it is essential to give emotional support to a patient, providing them with a safe and healthy environment at all times.

What does a technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Behavioral health technician vs technician salary

Behavioral health technicians and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

Behavioral Health TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$34,611$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $47,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CityRochester, NYSan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaHawaii
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyMicrosoft
Best paying industryNon ProfitsTelecommunication

Differences between behavioral health technician and technician education

There are a few differences between a behavioral health technician and a technician in terms of educational background:

Behavioral Health TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 50%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins University-

Behavioral health technician vs technician demographics

Here are the differences between behavioral health technicians' and technicians' demographics:

Behavioral Health TechnicianTechnician
Average age3440
Gender ratioMale, 36.4% Female, 63.6%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 14.3% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 51.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage15%2%

Differences between behavioral health technician and technician duties and responsibilities

Behavioral health technician example responsibilities.

  • Monitor and manage preventative behavior with 2-3 MHA'S team and carry out a constructive routine with patients.
  • Provide health monitoring, crisis intervention, supervision, and facilitation of group educational/structure activities for consumers (rehabilitation patients).
  • Train in CPI to handle physically dangerous crisis situations.
  • Display sensitivity, integrity, compassion and respect towards patients and family members.
  • Obtain patients' medical history and vital signs; complete EKG's and blood work.
  • Prepare for HIPAA reviews, ensuring require brochures and pamphlets are available to patients in all clinics.
  • Show more

Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
  • Show more

Behavioral health technician vs technician skills

Common behavioral health technician skills
  • Patients, 19%
  • Behavioral Health, 17%
  • Crisis Intervention, 6%
  • Social Work, 6%
  • CPR, 5%
  • Vital Signs, 4%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

Browse healthcare practitioner and technical jobs