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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) in California is $41,220 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Patient Care Assistant (PCA)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $43,800 | $3,650 | $842 | $21 |
| Average | $41,220 | $3,435 | $793 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,850 | $3,154 | $728 | $18 |
ComForCare Home Care - Contra Costa West - Martinez, CA
Houston Methodist - Clearlake, CA
University of California San Francisco - San Francisco, CA
Stanford Health Care - Palo Alto, CA
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, 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) | $40,111 |
| Intermediate Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) | $40,363 |
| Senior Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) | $40,715 |
| Specialist Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) | $41,296 |
| Expert Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) | $42,067 |
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:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
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 $43,723. While startup companies pay approximate $37,258.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $37,258 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $39,331 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $42,293 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $43,723 |
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 | $53,586 | $26.0 | 30% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $43,800 | $3,650 | $842 | $21 |
| Average | $41,220 | $3,435 | $793 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,850 | $3,154 | $728 | $18 |
Promotions 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 | $66,000 | 60% |
| OR Scheduler | $44,800 | 9% |
| Patient Representative | $57,700 | 40% |
| Medical Scribe/Documentation Specialist | $45,400 | 10% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Patient Care Assistant (PCA) job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Stanford Health Care
Stanford, CA
Stanford Health Care | Stanford, CA
Assistant Patient Care Manager. The Assistant Patient Care Manager is responsible for assisting the Patient Care Manager with clinical management and admin... more
5 Days Ago
University of Southern California (USC)
Los Angeles, CA
University of Southern California (USC) | Los Angeles, CA
Patient Care Technician. The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides nursing staff support in the areas of patient care delivery, clerical functions, and or... more
1 Day Ago
Keck Medicine of USC
Los Angeles, CA
Keck Medicine of USC | Los Angeles, CA
Patient Care Technician. The Patient Care Technician provides nursing staff support in the areas of patient care delivery, clerical functions, and organiza... more
1 Day Ago
University of Southern California (USC)
Los Angeles, CA
University of Southern California (USC) | Los Angeles, CA
Patient Care Technician. The Patient Care Technician (PCT) provides nursing staff support in the areas of patient care delivery, clerical functions, and or... more
5 Days Ago
Sutter Health
Santa Barbara, CA
Sutter Health | Santa Barbara, CA
Sutter Health - 301 and 317 West Pueblo Street - Responsibilities: Assist clinicians with patient care tasks. Perform back-office/clerical duties. Take vit... more
2 Days Ago
Celebrations Speech Group Inc.
Stockton, CA
Celebrations Speech Group Inc. | Stockton, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Dental insurance. Employee discounts. Health insurance. Paid time off. Training & development. Vision insurance... more
4 Days Ago
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