Patient Care Technician Salary Guide: What Can You Earn Helping Others?
Patient care technicians provide direct patient assistance in healthcare facilities. As a patient care tech, you work under the supervision of nurses and doctors to ensure patients are safe and comfortable, as they receive the care they need. You perform essential tasks like checking vital signs, assisting with mobility, and helping patients with basic hygiene. If you’ve always wanted a career helping others, becoming a patient care technician may be a good option. Consider the full scope of your salary potential and advancement opportunities to help you make informed decisions about your future. This comprehensive salary guide can assist you. It covers essential aspects to the job like salary ranges, top-paying regions, factors affecting pay, and career growth opportunities for patient care techs in the United States.
What is the Salary Range for Patient Care Technicians in the United States?
The salary range for patient care technicians varies depending on location, experience, and qualifications. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, The median pay for patient care techs in the U.S. is around $39,500 per year as of 20241. Entry-level professionals may earn around $31,000 annually, while experienced technicians working in higher-paying facilities or specialties can earn more than $49,0002. As a patient care tech, you may add to your base salary by working overtime. And your pay may be affected by other factors, including where you choose to live and work, the certifications you hold, and your employer.
What Regions Have High Pay for Patient Care Technician
When it comes to patient care technician salaries, urban areas, and regions with higher costs of living tend to offer higher wages. Because of this, some states offer higher wages than the reported national median wage. For example, in New Jersey, patient care Techs earn more than the national average at nearly $45,000 per year3.
While rural areas may offer lower salaries, a lower cost of living can raise the power of your earnings, so it’s important to consider several factors when you decide where you wish to work. Pay close attention to job availability in these regions and what is most important to you when it comes to salary expectations, expenses, and potential work-life balance in your state.
What are Required Skills and Responsibilities of a Patient Care Technician?
As a patient care technician, your role mixes physical care tasks with interpersonal communication. You monitor vital signs and help patients with eating, bathing, dressing, and mobility. You may also assist with wound care or collect lab samples, depending on your training and employer. To succeed in this field, you need both technical and soft skills. Some top skills employers seek out include active listening, service orientation, attention to detail, and physical stamina4. Compassion and patience are also essential, especially when caring for elderly or chronically ill patients.
Where is the Highest Demand for Patient Care Techs?
Demand for patient care techs is projected to grow nationwide over the decade according to the BLS5. In many states, steady job growth is projected. For example, in New Jersey, more than 5,300 job openings are predicted for each year through 20326. You may find work in a variety of medical settings. Some facilities with the highest employment levels of patient care technicians include nursing care facilities, hospitals, retirement communities, and home health services7.
What Career Growth is Available for Patient Care Technicians?
Along with overtime pay, your salary can also receive a bump as you learn more skills, acquire certifications, and opt in to additional education. Through these methods, you have the potential to enter more specialized roles in your organization, like patient care supervisor. A position like this can lead to more responsibilities, higher status, and greater earning potential. And as with any job, the more you learn, the more you may earn.
What Certifications Do Patient Care Techs Get?
Although requirements vary by employer and state, most patient care technicians complete a state-approved training program and pass a certification exam. One of the most recognized credentials is the Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Additional certifications can include:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- EKG Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification
These credentials help prove your skills and may qualify you for higher-paying or specialized roles.
Benefits and Perks Commonly Offered to Patient Care Technicians
Patient care technicians generally receive employee benefits such as healthcare coverage and paid time off. Depending on your employer, you may also have access to retirement plans and other perks. Some of the perks you can look out for include tuition reimbursement for certifications, performance-based bonuses and flexible scheduling options. These benefits can contribute to your overall job satisfaction with an employer.
There are many factors to consider when you look for employment in the healthcare industry. If becoming a patient care technician sounds like the role for you, understanding your potential earnings both as an entry-level employee and into the future is critical.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-5. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-5. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
1 O*NET OnLine, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localwages/31-1131.00?st=NJ. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
4 O*NET OnLine, https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/31-1131.00#:~:text=Worker%20Requirements-,Skills,-All. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-6. Retrieved July 8, 2025.
6 O*NET OnLine, https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/31-1131.00?st=NJ. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
7 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/nursing-assistants.htm#tab-3. Retrieved July 8, 2025.