Mental health professionals are in high demand, and with the right qualifications, you can make a great living in this career field. But how much does a mental health tech make?

We’ll break down the salary potential of mental health techs across different states and specialties. Read on to learn more!

Overview of Mental Health Technicians

Mental Health Technicians are professionals who provide support to mental healthcare professionals in hospitals, private institutions, and patient residences. They provide direct patient care, guidance, and positive role modeling.

Their duties can vary depending on the facility they are working in, but typically involve assisting with therapeutic activities, observing and documenting patient behavior, and providing basic patient care.

Mental Health Technicians must have a passion for working with patients and be able to handle stressful situations in a professional manner. They must possess strong communication and interpersonal skills as well as empathy for those in their care.

Mental health technicians are often required to have a college degree or specialized training in the field of psychology or mental health.

Factors that Impact Mental Health Technician Salaries

As with any profession, there are a variety of factors that can impact a mental health technician’s salary. The educational requirements, experience level, and the location of the job can all affect how much a technician makes.

Other factors that can impact salary include certifications and the type of employer. Mental health technicians who work in hospitals or other health care settings may see higher salaries than those who work in community settings.

Additionally, those who are certified may be able to negotiate higher salaries due to their expertise.

Average Salary for Mental Health Technicians

Mental health technicians play an important role in the healthcare industry, providing assistance to psychiatrists and psychologists in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of people with mental and emotional disorders.

Their salaries can vary greatly depending on experience and location, but on average they make a median salary of $34,171 per year. In addition to salary, many mental health technicians receive excellent benefits, job security, flexible hours, and competitive salaries.

Those wishing to become mental health technicians must have the proper educational requirements and training programs before working in the field.

Average salary for Mental Health Technicians in the US

Mental health technicians are in high demand in the US, and the average salary for these professionals reflects this. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for mental health technicians was $34,125 per year in 2019.

This figure is higher than the median salary for all other healthcare support occupations, which was $29,740. The average hourly wage for a mental health technician is $16.41 per hour.

The total hourly cash compensation can range from $16 to $20 depending on experience and qualifications. In addition to competitive salaries, mental health technicians often enjoy job security, flexible hours, and other benefits.

With the right education and training, you can become a mental health technician and make a difference in people’s lives while earning a good income.

Average Salary by State

The average salary for Mental Health Technicians can also vary by state. In the United States, Mental Health Technicians in California earn the highest salaries, with an average of $41,499 per year.

Those in Texas are paid an average of $38,863 a year, while those in Florida and New York earn an average of $37,018 and $36,624 respectively.

The lowest-paying states for Mental Health Technicians are Mississippi and South Dakota, where the average salary is just $27,785 and $26,717 respectively.

Benefits of Being a Mental Health Technician

Being a mental health technician comes with many benefits. Not only does it offer competitive salaries, but it also provides job security, flexible hours and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.

With the right education and training, you can be making good money and helping people at the same time. The average salary for a Mental Health Technician in the US is $36834. Depending on your qualifications and experience, you could be earning more than that.

Additionally, salaries vary by state, so depending on where you work, you could see even higher wages. Plus, with flexible hours and job security, you’ll have the peace of mind that your career is secure and you can take time off when needed.

Job Security

Being a Mental Health Technician is an excellent career choice offering job security and growth potential.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of psychiatric technicians and aides is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average. With a certificate or an associate degree, you can find good job opportunities in the government sector, offering job security.

Plus, there are excellent opportunities to advance and grow your career, as the Behavioral Health Technician role can open the right doors. The average salary for a Mental Health Technician in Orlando, FL is $34989 and bonus and benefit information can be customized.

This job offers a high level of social contact and interpersonal relationships, plus the chance to make a huge difference in people’s lives.

Flexible Hours

Being a Mental Health Technician also offers flexibility. Most Mental Health Technicians work part-time, so they can fit their work hours around their other commitments.

This flexibility allows them to have more control over their work schedule, and it often allows them to make more money in the long run.

Furthermore, since many Mental Health Technicians are employed on a per diem basis, they are able to pick up extra shifts when needed, allowing them to make even more money.

This flexibility makes being a Mental Health Technician a great option for those looking for a career that is both rewarding and offers plenty of freedom.

Competitive Salaries

Mental health technicians enjoy competitive salaries, with the average salary for a Mental Health Technician in the US currently estimated at $36,834 per year. Salaries are typically higher in more populated states such as California and New York.

With the right degree and experience, mental health technicians can earn up to $46,000 per year or more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that job security for mental health technicians is high and will continue to increase in the coming years due to increased demand for mental health services.

How to Become a Mental Health Technician

To become a mental health technician, you first need to obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent. It is recommended to then pursue a certificate or associate’s degree in psychology, social work, or a similar field.

After completing the educational requirements, you can take the Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) exam to display mastery of the skills needed to excel in the profession.

With the right credentials, you will be well on your way to becoming a successful mental health technician.

1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

2. Obtain an associate’s degree in psychology, social work, or similar field.

3. Get certified, such as through the Certified Mental Health Technician (CMHT) exam.

4. Consider obtaining a postsecondary certificate or bachelor’s degree related to the field.

5. Take any additional training and educational courses as required by employers.

6. Apply for an open position in the mental health field.