Behavioral Health Tech Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$43,000
national median salary
$37,000 to $49,000. Last updated August 2026.
Government benchmark for this occupation
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $45,130 for Psychiatric Technicians (SOC 29-2053) across the United States, based on 156,960 employed workers (May 2025 release).
10th percentile
$35,090
25th percentile
$38,430
Median
$45,130
75th percentile
$50,160
90th percentile
$60,750
Workers surveyed
156,960
What BLS published in each release
May 2024 release
$42,590
May 2025 release
$45,130
These are two separate published estimates, not a time series. The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not encourage the use of OEWS data for time-series analysis. Differences between releases reflect changes in occupational classification, survey methodology, and the three-year pooled sample as well as any change in pay, so the two figures should not be read as a rate of wage growth.
BLS publishes wages by occupation code, not by job title, so this figure covers every role mapped to Psychiatric Technicians (SOC 29-2053) rather than Behavioral Health Techspecifically. The national range at the top of this page is Orbyt’s role-level estimate, which is a different thing and is labelled as such.
View the BLS source for SOC 29-2053Highest Paying
$59,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$45,000
Miami, FL
Lowest Paying
$33,000
Charleston, WV
The salary figures on this page are computed estimates, not observed wages. Each one is a national role baseline scaled by a Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity cost-of-living multiplier (2025 index) and rounded to the nearest $1,000. No published wage percentile is consulted and no wage survey response enters the calculation, so an Orbyt estimate must not be cited as a Bureau of Labor Statistics figure or as measured pay. The published wage data Orbyt holds is Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and Department of Labor H-1B Labor Condition Application filings, which record a filed minimum visa base wage rather than market pay. Where BLS publishes a wage for the occupation a role maps to, it is shown on that role's page as a separate benchmark, labelled with its occupation code, metro area and the number of employed workers it covers. Last updated August 2026. This role maps to BLS occupation code 29-2053. Full methodology.
Orbyt estimates the average Behavioral Health Tech salary in the United States at $43,000 in 2026, within a range of $37,000 to $49,000. These figures are Orbyt estimates, computed rather than measured, and must not be cited as Bureau of Labor Statistics figures; the published BLS wage for the occupation this role maps to is shown separately on this page. San Jose is the highest of the 81 cities at $59,000, while Miami offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Facility type is the primary driver, with inpatient psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers paying above outpatient settings.
Behavioral Health Tech salary by city.
Skills that increase Behavioral Health Tech pay.
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Behavioral Health Techs based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $6,020 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$6,020 per year
≈ +$5,590 per year
≈ +$5,160 per year
≈ +$4,730 per year
≈ +$4,730 per year
≈ +$4,300 per year
≈ +$4,300 per year
≈ +$3,870 per year
What you should know.
Facility type is the primary driver, with inpatient psychiatric hospitals and residential treatment centers paying above outpatient settings. RBT certification for ABA therapy settings adds 10 to 15% over uncertified techs. Shift differentials for overnight and weekend coverage contribute meaningfully to total earnings in 24-hour facilities.
Entry-level BHTs start at $30,000 to $34,000 with a bachelor's degree. Experienced techs with certifications earn $38,000 to $46,000 after two to four years. Senior BHTs or program leads can reach $48,000 to $58,000, with many advancing to counselor or social worker roles.
BHTs receive standard benefits at larger facilities, including health insurance and retirement plans. Overtime is common in inpatient settings and can add $4,000 to $8,000 annually. Some employers offer tuition assistance for psychology or social work degrees.
Total compensation breakdown.
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Behavioral Health Techs typically earn $39,000 (10% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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Common questions about Behavioral Health Tech pay.
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