As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Patient Care Associate in the United States is $38,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Patient Care Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Patient Care Associate'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 Associate'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 Associate | $37,946 |
| Intermediate Level Patient Care Associate | $38,412 |
| Senior Level Patient Care Associate | $39,790 |
| Specialist Level Patient Care Associate | $40,721 |
| Expert Level Patient Care Associate | $40,837 |
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 Associates. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Patient Care Associate'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Patient Care Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $43,930 in 2023 to around $43,953 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Patient Care Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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| 2023 | $43,930 |
| 2024 | $44,286 |
| 2025 | $43,953 |
| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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PCT stands for Patient Care Technician and involves responsibilities similar to those of a CNA. However, PCTs typically require more education and specialization, allowing them to perform more advanced medical tasks. In terms of salary, PCTs earn between $33,800 and $41,300, with a median salary of $37,100, reflecting their additional training and responsibilities.
As of January 2025, the salary for a Patient Care Associate in the United States ranges from $33,800 to $41,300 annually, with a median salary of $37,100. This reflects a competitive pay scale, aligning with the broader associate wage trends across the country.
While both careers have similar education requirements, many states require that Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) have CNA certification along with additional exams. This can lead to different salary ranges, with Patient Care Associates earning between $33,800 and $41,300, depending on experience and location.
No professional degree is required to be a Patient Care Associate (PCA). While some employers or states may require certification, others do not. Training is often provided on-the-job or through specific programs. The salary for a PCA typically ranges from $33,800 to $41,300, with a mid-range salary of about $37,100.
Among the highest-paying associate degree jobs, Patient Care Associates earn between $33,800 and $41,300 annually, with a median salary of $37,100. Other notable fields include mortuary science, interior design, drafting, electrical engineering, and network engineering, all offering competitive salaries and career opportunities.
In the US, a Patient Care Associate typically earns between $33,800 and $41,300 annually. The average salary is around $37,100, translating to approximately $3,092 per month. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and location within the healthcare field.
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We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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