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Psychiatric Technicians

Healthcarelowaugment
BLS 2024-34: +4%
Median Wage: $38,430
Employment: 83K

Overall Exposure

23+8

2025 vs 2023

Theoretical Exposure

38

What AI could do

Observed Exposure

11

What AI actually does

Automation Risk Score

18

Displacement risk

3-Year Outlook (2025 โ†’ 2028)

Projected changes in AI automation metrics over the next 3 years based on estimated data.

Overall Exposure

23โ†’34
+11

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Theoretical Exposure

38โ†’50
+12

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Observed Exposure

11โ†’20
+9

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Automation Risk

18โ†’26
+8

2025 โ†’ 2028 (estimated)

Exposure Metrics (2023 - 2028)

Detailed Metrics Table

YearOverallTheoreticalObservedRiskData Type
20231528512actual
20241933815actual
202523381118actual
202627421421estimated
202731461724estimated
202834502026estimated

Task Breakdown

Monitor and document patient behavior and vital signs
38%ฮฒ 0.5
Lead group therapy sessions and recreational activities
12%ฮฒ 0
Administer medications and observe side effects
25%ฮฒ 0
Implement crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques
8%ฮฒ 0

About This Occupation

If you work as a Psychiatric Technician, AI is reshaping your profession. With an automation risk of 18/100 and overall exposure at 23%, this role faces low transformation. The highest-impact area is monitor and document patient behavior and vital signs at 38% automation. This is classified as an 'augment' role. BLS projects +4% growth through 2034. The hands-on, interpersonal nature of psychiatric care keeps automation risk low, though AI tools are improving documentation and behavioral monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

With an automation risk score of 18%, Psychiatric Technicians has a low risk of AI replacement. Most tasks in this role require skills that are difficult for AI to replicate, such as complex decision-making, physical dexterity, or deep interpersonal interaction. AI is more likely to serve as a supportive tool.

The AI automation risk score for Psychiatric Technicians is 18% (2025 data). Overall AI exposure is 23%, with 38% theoretical exposure and 11% observed exposure. The risk trend from 2023 to 2025 is +6 points.

The tasks with the highest automation potential for Psychiatric Technicians are: Monitor and document patient behavior and vital signs (38%), Administer medications and observe side effects (25%), Lead group therapy sessions and recreational activities (12%). These rates reflect how much of each task current AI systems can handle, based on research data from Anthropic and academic sources.

The BLS projects +4% employment change for Psychiatric Technicians from 2024 to 2034. Combined with an overall AI exposure of 23%, this occupation is experiencing both traditional labor market shifts and AI-driven transformation. Workers should monitor both employment trends and AI capability growth.

Since AI primarily augments capabilities in this role, professionals in Psychiatric Technicians should embrace AI as a productivity multiplier. Focus on learning to use AI tools effectively, developing higher-order analytical and creative skills, and positioning yourself as someone who can leverage AI to deliver greater value.

Recent AI Impact Changes

Mar 2026: Evergreen blog post published analyzing AI impact on psychiatric technicians (19% exposure, 15/100 risk).

[Source: AI Changing Work Blog]