Psychiatric Technicians Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $47,890 +12.4% vs national
Median hourly $23.03
10th percentile $38,240
90th percentile $56,980
Employed locally 4,870
National median $42,590

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Psychiatric Technicians
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    In Chicago and its surrounding areas in Illinois and Indiana, psychiatric technicians earn a median annual salary of $47,890, which is notably higher than the national median of $42,590 for this occupation. When compared to local household incomes, psychiatric technician earnings constitute approximately 54% of the area's median household income of $88,850. This indicates that while psychiatric technicians earn a respectable wage within their field, they generally earn less than half of what an average local household earns annually.

    For psychiatric technicians entering the workforce in this region, salaries typically begin at or around the 10th percentile mark of $38,240 annually. As experience and expertise grow, earnings can rise significantly to meet or exceed the median salary level of $47,890. Experienced professionals may even reach the 75th percentile, earning approximately $49,260 per year, while top earners in this field—those at the 90th percentile—can expect salaries as high as $56,980 annually. The differences in earnings between entry-level and experienced workers are primarily driven by factors such as years of experience, specialized skills or certifications, work setting (e.g., hospitals vs. private practices), and geographic cost-of-living adjustments within the region.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,240
    25th
    $39,800
    50th (median)
    $47,890
    75th
    $49,260
    90th
    $56,980

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Psychiatric Technicians salary vs area income 54% Median Psychiatric Technicians salary is 46% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Psychiatric Technicians make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Psychiatric Technicians in Chicago, IL-IN is $23.03, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $24.74 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Psychiatric Technicians salaries?

    The median Psychiatric Technicians salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 12.4% above the national median of $42,590. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Psychiatric Technicians in Chicago?

    Entry-level Psychiatric Technicians (10th percentile) earn around $38,240 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $39,800.