Psychiatric Aide Salary in North Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Psychiatric Aides in North Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
North Carolina Median
$38,400
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.46
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-14% vs US median
US median $44,910
State Rank
#29 of 39
state estimate

How much does a Psychiatric Aide make in North Carolina?

Psychiatric Aides in North Carolina take home a median of $38,400 annually — roughly $18.46 an hour — which runs 14% below the national median of $44,910.

Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $35,340 while the top 10% make $44,010 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $36,350 and $43,570 a year.

Psychiatric Aide salary range in North Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$35,340$16.99
25th percentile (early career)$36,350$17.48
50th percentile (median)$38,400$18.46
75th percentile (experienced)$43,570$20.95
90th percentile (top earners)$44,010$21.16

How North Carolina compares

North Carolina ranks 29th out of 39 states and territories for Psychiatric Aide pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Minnesota$55,040
2Washington$52,570
3Hawaii$52,310
4Maryland$51,440
5Nevada$51,400

Working as a Psychiatric Aide in North Carolina

Nationally, about 36,000 people work as Psychiatric Aides in the United States. A certificate or diploma program (usually 6 to 18 months) is the typical entry path.

Considering a move? Compare North Carolina pay ($38,400) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Psychiatric Aide make in North Carolina?
The median Psychiatric Aide salary in North Carolina is $38,400 per year, or about $18.46 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $35,340 at the entry level to $44,010 for the top 10% of earners.
How does North Carolina pay compare to the national average?
North Carolina pays Psychiatric Aides about 14% less than the national median of $44,910. North Carolina ranks 29th out of 39 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is North Carolina a good state for Psychiatric Aides?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $38,400 a year. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in North Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in North Carolina include Surgeon, All Other ($398,410), Dermatologist ($367,350), Emergency Medicine Physician ($339,350), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Psychiatric Aide salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.