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Patient care technicians (PCTs) play a crucial role in healthcare, directly supporting patients and assisting nurses and doctors with essential tasks. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, helping with mobility, drawing blood, and ensuring patients' comfort. PCTs work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and outpatient facilities.
But how much do PCTs make?
According to Indeed job postings, patient care technicians make $55,802 per year, on average, which comes out to around $21.15 per hour.
How much you may make as a PCT varies based on location, experience, and workplace. The rest of this article goes over all of that, so you can figure out how much you can expect to make if you decide to pursue a career as a PCT.
Patient Care Technician Salary Overview
Patient care professionals earn an average annual salary of $55,802 annually and $21.15 per hour as of March 2026. Most patient care technicians earned salaries ranging from $38,881 to $80,088 ($14.74 to $30.35 per hour).
Several factors influence how much PCTs earn:
- Experience level: More experienced and certified PCTs typically earn higher salaries. Entry-level positions start on the lower end of that range, while those with more experience can earn towards the higher end.
- Workplace setting: PCTs working working government jobs, in private hospitals, and in nursing care facilities tend to earn higher wages.
- Geographic location: Salaries vary by state and city. Typically, states with higher costs of living earn more than those where it's less expensive to live.
The job outlook for PCTs is slower than average, with the BLS projecting a 2% increase in job opportunities by 2034.
It is important to note that salary data on the internet can vary a lot, and the most trustworthy data you should follow is the official data from the BLS, and specially the one related to your location as the nationwide data can also have important variations.
Considering that PCT programs can cost as a little as $500 and can be completed in a few months, you can start earning a decent salary more quickly.
Patient Care Technician Salary by State
Here is 2023 state data from the BLS for nursing assistants and orderlies, which closely aligns with what PCTs can expect to make:
States with higher costs of living and strong healthcare demand typically offer higher wages. Meanwhile, states in the Midwest and South tend to have lower salaries but also lower living expenses.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Patient Care Technician
If you’re looking to earn a higher salary as a patient care tech, consider the following strategies:
1. Get Certified
Patient care technicians must earn their high school diploma or GED before they will be allowed to work. PCTs often have to pass a competency test at the end of their on-the-job training or once they complete a training program (which can take anywhere from one month to two years).
Nonetheless, having specialized certifications can significantly boost your earning potential and make you a more competitive candidate. Consider the following on top of your PCT certification:
- Phlebotomy Certification: Enables you to perform blood draws, a valuable skill in various healthcare settings.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) Certification: This certification specializes in heart monitoring, adding valuable skills to your repertoire.
- Advanced Life Support (ALS), Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or Basic Life Support (BLS) Certifications: These certifications demonstrate your ability to respond effectively in critical situations.
At Stepful, our online program prepares you to earn your Certified Patient Care Technician Certification from the National Healthcareer Association and perform all the duties of patient care techs, supporting medical teams in delivering direct patient care.
2. Develop Additional Skills
Employers highly value PCTs with diverse skills, as they can take on additional responsibilities and improve patient care. Expanding your expertise in wound care management makes you a valuable asset in hospitals and long-term care facilities, helping prevent infections and complications.
Proficiency in medical coding and recordkeeping allows you to accurately document patient information and navigate electronic health records (EHR), making you more efficient and in demand. Additionally, gaining experience with medical software like EHR systems and patient monitoring tools enhances your adaptability and job prospects.
By developing these skills, you can increase your job opportunities, stand out to employers, and boost your earning potential.
3. Advance in Your Career
By gaining experience and furthering their education, PCTs can use their experience to expand their career opportunities and transition into higher-paying healthcare roles.
Many become licensed practical nurses (LPNs), taking on more medical responsibilities like administering medications after completing a one-year program and passing the NCLEX-PN exam.
Others transition to registered nurses (RNs), who perform complex procedures and coordinate patient care, requiring an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and the NCLEX-RN exam.
And some PCTs advance their careers to medical assistants (MAs), which can be a great fit for those interested in a blend of hands-on patient care and office-based responsibilities.
Some certification programs usually take between 4 months and 2 years to complete. At Stepful, we offer a 5-month online medical assistant program designed to equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to obtain medical assistant certifications.
This program can help you enhance your qualifications, expand your job opportunities, and increase your earning potential in the healthcare field.
>> Read More: Medical Assistant vs. Patient Care Technician
Job Outlook for Patient Care Technicians
The demand for Patient Care Technicians is expected to grow, driven by an aging population, the expansion of hospital and outpatient services, and a push for more affordable healthcare options. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in healthcare are projected to grow faster than average over the next decade, making PCTs a stable and rewarding career choice.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects some health and personal care assistant jobs to grow by 2% between 2024 and 2034, which is slightly slower than average for all jobs in the U.S., but still positive. Many PCTs use their experience to advance into other medical roles, such as Registered Nurses or Physician Assistants, but demand for PCTs remains strong across the industry.
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