As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Patient Care Tech in the United States is $53,486 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Patient Care Tech's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Patient Care Tech'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 Tech'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 Tech | $52,731 |
| Intermediate Level Patient Care Tech | $54,285 |
| Senior Level Patient Care Tech | $57,923 |
| Specialist Level Patient Care Tech | $58,313 |
| Expert Level Patient Care Tech | $58,573 |
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 Teches. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Problem Solving | 3.81% |
| Basic Life Support | 2.75% |
| Accounting | 2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Time Management
|
$63,113 |
18%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$61,508 |
15%
|
|
Effective Communication
|
$59,904 |
12%
|
|
Organizing
|
$59,369 |
11%
|
|
Innovation
|
$58,834 |
10%
|
|
Credit Card
|
$58,299 |
9%
|
For Patient Care Tech roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Patient Care Tech positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Patient Care Tech as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $61,508 | $30.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Patient Care Teches 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 Tech with a No Diploma is between $51,900 and $55,225).
Patient Care Tech Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 47.1% |
| Associates | 43.1% |
| Bachelors | 7.7% |
| Masters | 0.7% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how a Patient Care Tech'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Patient Care Tech can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $56,780 in 2023 to around $49,011 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Patient Care Tech salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $56,780 |
| 2024 | $51,790 |
| 2025 | $49,011 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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