Explore Careers

Psychiatric Assistants

Explore Careers

Psychiatric Assistants

Health Science
Enlisted Role

Service Branches with this Role

  • Army logo
  • Navy logo

What do Psychiatric Assistants do in the Military?

Psychiatric assistants help psychiatrists or other healthcare professionals with diagnosing, preventing, and treating mental disorders.

Where do Psychiatric Assistants work?

Psychiatric assistants work in hospitals and clinics on land or aboard ships. In combat situations, they may work in mobile field hospitals.

How much do they make?

Median Military Salary

This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$114,328

Military Salary Range

This is the range based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location.


Note that the median salary does not include bonuses, special pays, health or dental benefits — which are a standard part of military compensation.

$24,244 - $306,514

How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary

Base pay is the standard income you'll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.

  • Set based on rank and years of service.
  • Paid every month.

Allowances are additional payments to help cover living expenses like housing and food.

  • Tax-free payments.
  • Varies by location and family status.

Special pay provides extra compensation for unique skills, hazardous duties, or challenging assignments.

  • Based on specialized roles.
  • Varies by position and duty.

What training do Psychiatric Assistants gain in the Military?

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Psychiatric assistants in the Military will gain skills through classroom study, laboratory demonstrations, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience. Job-specific training content may include:

  • Patient care techniques
  • Emergency medical treatment
  • Working on a medical team
  • Clinical laboratory procedures
  • Medical management information systems

Military Training for Enlisted Service members

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training.

What skills help Psychiatric Assistants succeed?

  • Ability to follow directions precisely
  • Ability to work under stressful or emergency conditions
  • Interest in helping others
  • Social perceptiveness
  • Listening and communication skills

What are possible career paths after the Military?

  • Psychiatric Aides
  • Psychiatric Technicians
  • Psychiatrists
  • Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurses
  • Social and Human Service Assistants
  • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
  • Healthcare Social Workers
  • Mental Health Counselors

Interested? Take Your Next Step!