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How much does a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) in the United States is $37,380. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $34,510 to $40,430, with most professionals earning between $31,897 and $43,207.

Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $40,430 $3,369 $778 $19
Average $37,380 $3,115 $719 $18
25th Percentile $34,510 $2,876 $664 $17

Average Salary

25% $34,510 10% $31,897 90% $43,207 75% $40,430 $37,380 50%(Median)
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How much does a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Patient Care Assistant (PCA) salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is about $37,380 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $18, a monthly salary of about $3,115, and a weekly pay of around $719 . Click the switch button below to see more details about Patient Care Assistant (PCA) hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a Patient Care Assistant (PCA)'s Salary?

An entry-level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) with less than 1 year of experience earns about $36,438. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $36,652. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $36,952. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $37,471, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $38,381.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) $36,438
Intermediate Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) $36,652
Senior Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) $36,952
Specialist Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) $37,471
Expert Level Patient Care Assistant (PCA) $38,381
$36,438 0 yr
$36,652 < 2 yrs
$36,952 2-4 yrs
$37,471 5-8 yrs
$38,381 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 3%
Mid Level 2%
Senior Level 1%
Top Level 0%
Experienced 3%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of Patient Care Assistant (PCA) vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is $46,690.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $43,320.
  • In Boston, MA, a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) earns $41,690 per year.

What is the salary trend of Patient Care Assistant (PCA)?

As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Patient Care Assistant (PCA) compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $36,978 in 2023 to approximately $38,286 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Patient Care Assistant (PCA) salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$36,978
2023
$38,286
2024
$37,447
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$36,978
2024
$38,286
2025
$37,447
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $36,978
2024 $38,286
2025 $37,447
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of Patient Care Assistant (PCA)

Salary.com job board provides millions of Patient Care Assistant (PCA) information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Patient Care Assistant (PCA) job openings or enter a new job title here.

Most Common Benefits for Patient Care Assistant (PCA)

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 67.5%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 5.2%
401k/403b 3.3%
Disability 1.1%
Healthcare 11.5%
Pension 2.8%
Time Off 8.6%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $37,380 67.5%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $2,860 5.2%
401K/403B $1,832 3.3%
Disability $598 1.1%
Healthcare $6,371 11.5%
Pension $1,570 2.8%
Time Off $4,744 8.6%
Total Compensation $55,354 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What are the salaries of a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) with different levels of education?

Salaries for Patient Care Assistant (PCA) with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

According to our 100% employer reported salary sources the median salary for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) with a No Diploma is $30,425 - $32,422. Please try our salary wizard to explore how other factors like location, Years of experience and number of direct reports can impact your base pay and bonus.

Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Typical Education for Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.9%
High School 73.6%
Associates 9.4%
Bachelors 15.1%
Typical Education for Patient Care Assistant (PCA)
No Diploma 1.9%
High School 73.6%
Associates 9.4%
Bachelors 15.1%
view as table

Patient Care Assistant (PCA) Salaries by Degree Level

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

What Am I Worth?

FAQ about Patient Care Assistant (PCA)

1. What are the disadvantages of being a care assistant?

Being a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) can be demanding, with long hours and physically taxing work. The emotional challenges can also be significant, as you strive to provide the best care for your clients. Additionally, the salary range for PCAs is between $29,690 and $38,100, which may not always reflect the level of effort and dedication required in this role.

2. Is a patient care assistant a CNA?

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) and a patient care assistant (PCA) are not necessarily the same, though their roles are quite similar. A PCA typically requires only a high school diploma and on-the-job training. In terms of salary, PCAs can expect to earn between $29,690 and $38,100 annually, with a median salary around $33,150.

3. How much do patient care assistants make in the US?

Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) in the US typically earn between $29,690 and $38,100 annually. The average salary is around $33,150. This range reflects entry-level positions to more experienced roles, providing a clear picture of the earning potential in this field.

4. Is patient care assistant a good job?

Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) offer solid job security, with opportunities projected to grow by 22% by 2032. The salary range for PCAs is between $29,690 and $38,100, with a median salary of $33,150. Many PCAs advance their careers by obtaining certifications or pursuing further education in nursing, making it a promising career path.

5. Is PCA a good place to work?

PCA has an employee rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars based on 658 reviews on Glassdoor, suggesting a generally positive work experience. Salaries for Patient Care Assistants range from $29,690 to $38,100, with a midpoint of $33,150, which is competitive within the industry. Overall, PCA appears to be a decent place to work.

6. Do CNA get paid more than PCA?

The average PCA salary ranges from $29,690 to $38,100, with a mid-point of $33,150. In comparison, the average CNA salary is approximately $39,610 per year. Therefore, CNAs generally earn more than PCAs, but salaries can vary based on location, experience, and facility type.

About Our Data

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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The average salary for a Patient Care Assistant (PCA) is $37,380 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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