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Patient Care Technician (PCT) Salary in the United States

How much does a Patient Care Technician (PCT) make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the United States is $38,779 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

However, a Patient Care Technician (PCT)'s salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $46,144
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $36,121 to $42,634
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $33,701
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Patient Care Technician (PCT) Salaries

A Patient Care Technician (PCT)'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.

How Experience Level Affects Patient Care Technician (PCT) Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Patient Care Technician (PCT)'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:

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (0-0 years): $34,701
  • Nursing Assistant - Non-certified (0-1 years): $34,987
  • Patient Care Technician (PCT) (1-3 years): $38,779
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Certified Nursing Assistant0-0 years$34,701
Nursing Assistant - Non-certified0-1 years$34,987
Patient Care Technician (PCT)1-3 years$38,779
View as Graph

How Do Patient Care Technician (PCT)s Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Technician (PCT)s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $42,936.
  • California: $42,773.
  • Massachusetts: $42,203.

Top Paying Cities for Patient Care Technician (PCT)

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:

  • San Jose: $48,912
  • San Francisco: $48,376
  • Oakland: $47,357

Patient Care Technician (PCT) Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Patient Care Technician (PCT) salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $41,134. While startup companies pay approximate $35,052.

Patient Care Technician (PCT) Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $35,052
Growth Stage 51~500 $37,002
Established 501~5000 $39,789
Enterprise 5000+ $41,134

Patient Care Technician (PCT) Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Patient Care Technician (PCT) roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Patient Care Technician (PCT) positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Patient Care Technician (PCT) as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$46,535$22.020%

Patient Care Technician (PCT) Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Patient Care Technician (PCT)'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, 2026
$36,121
Average $38,779/year
$42,634
$3,010
Average $3,232/month
$3,553
$695
Average $746/week
$820
$17
Average $19/hour
$20
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $42,634 $3,553 $820 $20
Average $38,779 $3,232 $746 $19
25th Percentile $36,121 $3,010 $695 $17

Most common benefits for Patient Care Technician (PCT)

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Here are companies hiring for Patient Care Technician (PCT) and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Patient Care Technician (PCT)

1. Where can a Patient Care Technician (PCT) earn the most?

A Patient Care Technician (PCT)'s earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Patient Care Technician (PCT) earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Patient Care Technician (PCT) is $48,912.

2. What is the highest pay for Patient Care Technician (PCT)?

The highest pay for Patient Care Technician (PCT) is $46,144.

3. What is the lowest pay for Patient Care Technician (PCT)?

The lowest pay for Patient Care Technician (PCT) is $33,701.

4. What are the responsibilities of Patient Care Technician (PCT)?

Performs various direct patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse. Assists patients in dressing, undressing, bathing, eating, walking, and other activities. Ensures patients' safety, well-being, and comfort. Collects body fluid specimens, gathers vital signs, and performs basic lab work. Helps patients take medications. Aids physicians and nursing staff members with procedures if needed. Maintains documents and records related to patient care. Follows all relevant safety guidelines and regulations. Communicates with patients, their families, and other care providers. Requires a high school diploma. Requires Patient Care Technician Certification (PCT). Typically reports to a registered nurse or manager. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Patient Care Technician (PCT)?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Patient Care Technician (PCT) roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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