As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) in the United States is $37,370 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Patient Care Assistant (PCA)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Patient Care Assistant (PCA)'s salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Patient Care Assistant (PCA)'s salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) | $36,365 |
| Intermediate Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) | $36,594 |
| Senior Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) | $36,913 |
| Specialist Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) | $37,440 |
| Expert Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) | $38,138 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Patient Care Assistant (PCA)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 4.08% |
| Direct Patient Care | 2.82% |
| Clinical Nursing | 2.2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Delegation
|
$63,529 |
70%
|
|
Time Management
|
$43,349 |
16%
|
|
Nursing Practice
|
$41,854 |
12%
|
|
Coordination
|
$41,481 |
11%
|
|
Housekeeping
|
$41,107 |
10%
|
|
Innovation
|
$40,360 |
8%
|
Patient Care Assistant (PCA) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $39,639. While startup companies pay approximate $33,778.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $33,778 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $35,657 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $38,343 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $39,639 |
For Patient Care Assistant (PCA) roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Patient Care Assistant (PCA) positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Patient Care Assistant (PCA) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $48,581 | $23.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Patient Care Assistant (PCA)s enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) with a No Diploma is between $30,425 and $32,422).
Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.9% |
| High School | 73.6% |
| Associates | 9.4% |
| Bachelors | 15.1% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Patient Care Assistant (PCA)'s annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Patient Care Assistant (PCA), you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Support Care Navigator | $59,800 | 60% |
| OR Scheduler | $40,700 | 9% |
| Patient Representative | $52,300 | 40% |
| Medical Scribe/Documentation Specialist | $41,200 | 10% |
Salaries for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $36,978 in 2023 to around $37,447 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Patient Care Assistant (PCA) salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $36,978 |
| 2024 | $38,286 |
| 2025 | $37,447 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Patient Care Assistant (PCA) roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Being a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) can be demanding, with long hours and physically taxing work. The emotional challenges can also be significant, as you strive to provide the best care for your clients. Additionally, the salary range for PCAs is between $29,690 and $38,100, which may not always reflect the level of effort and dedication required in this role.
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) and a patient care assistant (PCA) are not necessarily the same, though their roles are quite similar. A PCA typically requires only a high school diploma and on-the-job training. In terms of salary, PCAs can expect to earn between $29,690 and $38,100 annually, with a median salary around $33,150.
Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) in the US typically earn between $29,690 and $38,100 annually. The average salary is around $33,150. This range reflects entry-level positions to more experienced roles, providing a clear picture of the earning potential in this field.
Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) offer solid job security, with opportunities projected to grow by 22% by 2032. The salary range for PCAs is between $29,690 and $38,100, with a median salary of $33,150. Many PCAs advance their careers by obtaining certifications or pursuing further education in nursing, making it a promising career path.
PCA has an employee rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 658 reviews on Glassdoor, suggesting a generally positive work experience. Salaries for Patient Care Assistants range from $29,690 to $38,100, with a midpoint of $33,150, which is competitive within the industry. Overall, PCA appears to be a decent place to work.
The average PCA salary ranges from $29,690 to $38,100, with a mid-point of $33,150. In comparison, the average CNA salary is approximately $39,610 per year. Therefore, CNAs generally earn more than PCAs, but salaries can vary based on location, experience, and facility type.
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