Psychiatric technician vs licensed psychiatric technician

The differences between psychiatric technicians and licensed psychiatric technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a licensed psychiatric technician has an average salary of $47,208, which is higher than the $39,662 average annual salary of a psychiatric technician.

The top three skills for a psychiatric technician include patients, mental health and social work. The most important skills for a licensed psychiatric technician are patients, vital signs, and CPR.

Psychiatric technician vs licensed psychiatric technician overview

	Psychiatric Technician	Licensed Psychiatric Technician
Yearly salary	$39,662	$47,208
Hourly rate	$19.07	$22.70
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	64,888	50,493
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Associate Degree, 50%
Average age	34	34
Years of experience	-	-

Psychiatric technician vs licensed psychiatric technician salary

Psychiatric technicians and licensed psychiatric technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Psychiatric Technician	Licensed Psychiatric Technician
Average salary	$39,662	$47,208
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $61,000	Between $27,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City	Santa Barbara, CA	San Luis Obispo, CA
Highest paying state	California	Massachusetts
Best paying company	St. Tammany Health System	Rady Children's Hospital And Health Center
Best paying industry	Government	Health Care

Differences between psychiatric technician and licensed psychiatric technician education

There are a few differences between a psychiatric technician and a licensed psychiatric technician in terms of educational background:

	Psychiatric Technician	Licensed Psychiatric Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 59%	Associate Degree, 50%
Most common major	Psychology	Mental Health Counseling
Most common college	Johns Hopkins University	Johns Hopkins University

Psychiatric technician vs licensed psychiatric technician demographics

Here are the differences between psychiatric technicians' and licensed psychiatric technicians' demographics:

	Psychiatric Technician	Licensed Psychiatric Technician
Average age	34	34
Gender ratio	Male, 40.1% Female, 59.9%	Male, 28.2% Female, 71.8%
Race ratio	Black 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, 14.3% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.1% Asian, 6.4% White, 51.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	15%	15%

Differences between psychiatric technician and licensed psychiatric technician duties and responsibilities

Psychiatric technician example responsibilities.

Prioritize and utilize therapeutic communication and CPI skills to diffuse and manage difficult situations.
Participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, also lead prescribed individual and group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.
Respond to emergency situations such as fire evacuation or the administration of first aid and/or CPR.
Observe patients comfort levels and mood changes, show compassion and respect to minimize clients stress levels.
Demonstrate triage and emergency assistance when need, including suicide prevention plans (currently CPR and CPI certify).
Participate in rehabilitation and treatment programs, help with personal hygiene, and assist with administration of oral medications.

Licensed psychiatric technician example responsibilities.

Monitor and manage preventative behavior with 2-3 MHA'S team and carry out a constructive routine with patients.
Certify in CPR / first aid.
Assist clients with ADL's, run groups within the secured treatment area.
Provide quality health care, including infection control, emergency preparedness, transportation, CPR and first aid.
Provide training and assistance in adl's, leisure, vocational, active treatment, and behavioral support.
Perform medication administration and select nursing procedures in the physical care of patients according to establish policies and procedures.

Psychiatric technician vs licensed psychiatric technician skills

Common psychiatric technician skills

Patients, 27%
Mental Health, 9%
Social Work, 6%
Vital Signs, 6%
Patient Behavior, 4%
Rehabilitation, 4%

Common licensed psychiatric technician skills

Patients, 27%
Vital Signs, 8%
CPR, 7%
Rehabilitation, 7%
Substance Abuse, 6%
LPT, 5%

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Healthcare Practitioner and Technical Industry
Psychiatric Technician
Psychiatric Technician vs Licensed Psychiatric Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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