As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Patient Care Unit Assistant in the United States is $34,676 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Patient Care Unit Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Patient Care Unit Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $37,676 | $3,140 | $725 | $18 |
| Average | $34,676 | $2,890 | $667 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,436 | $2,703 | $624 | $16 |
A Patient Care Unit Assistant's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.33% |
| Long Term Care | 4.24% |
| Geriatrics | 2.77% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Patient Care Unit Assistant's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Organizational Skills | $37,450 | |
| Innovation | $36,757 | |
| Coordination | $36,757 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Patient Care Unit Assistants enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Unit Assistant with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $32,144 and $34,088).
| Typical Education for Patient Care Unit Assistant | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 3.1% |
| High School | 68.5% |
| Associates | 14.6% |
| Bachelors | 12.9% |
| Masters | 1.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Patient Care Unit Assistant'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 | $37,676 | $3,140 | $725 | $18 |
| Average | $34,676 | $2,890 | $667 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,436 | $2,703 | $624 | $16 |
Salaries for a Patient Care Unit Assistant can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $39,144 in 2023 to around $38,972 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Patient Care Unit Assistant salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $39,144 |
| 2024 | $39,426 |
| 2025 | $38,972 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Patient Care Unit Assistant roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
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