Patient Care Technician Salary Information
How Much do Patient Care Technicians Make?
The salary for Patient Care Technicians can vary depending on location, experience, and other factors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for nursing assistants, which includes Patient Care Technicians, was $31,410 as of May 2020.
Patient Care Technician Salary Information by State
| State | Average Annual Salary | Highest Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Patient Care Technician Salary | $29,355 | $41,648 |
| Alaska Patient Care Technician Salary | $47,528 | $76,875 |
| Arizona Patient Care Technician Salary | $36,540 | $52,380 |
| Arkansas Patient Care Technician Salary | $27,818 | $38,640 |
| California Patient Care Technician Salary | $39,165 | $57,240 |
| Colorado Patient Care Technician Salary | $36,330 | $51,855 |
| Connecticut Patient Care Technician Salary | $40,943 | $56,753 |
| DC Patient Care Technician Salary | $43,988 | $55,020 |
| Delaware Patient Care Technician Salary | $37,538 | $51,533 |
| Florida Patient Care Technician Salary | $30,810 | $45,900 |
| Georgia Patient Care Technician Salary | $30,983 | $45,608 |
| Hawaii Patient Care Technician Salary | $36,053 | $53,790 |
| Idaho Patient Care Technician Salary | $29,175 | $43,118 |
| Illinois Patient Care Technician Salary | $43,223 | $66,323 |
| Indiana Patient Care Technician Salary | $32,438 | $48,398 |
| Iowa Patient Care Technician Salary | $34,328 | $51,893 |
| Kansas Patient Care Technician Salary | $32,858 | $47,595 |
| Kentucky Patient Care Technician Salary | $28,793 | $41,858 |
| Louisiana Patient Care Technician Salary | $31,935 | $45,668 |
| Maine Patient Care Technician Salary | $32,295 | $43,193 |
| Maryland Patient Care Technician Salary | $37,403 | $57,488 |
| Massachusetts Patient Care Technician Salary | $42,143 | $56,820 |
| Michigan Patient Care Technician Salary | $35,588 | $52,253 |
| Minnesota Patient Care Technician Salary | $35,813 | $48,555 |
| Mississippi Patient Care Technician Salary | $26,550 | $39,825 |
| Missouri Patient Care Technician Salary | $34,635 | $50,685 |
| Montana Patient Care Technician Salary | $34,665 | $48,953 |
| Nebraska Patient Care Technician Salary | $34,785 | $51,488 |
| Nevada Patient Care Technician Salary | $37,125 | $54,023 |
| New Hampshire Patient Care Technician Salary | $35,265 | $48,210 |
| New Jersey Patient Care Technician Salary | $40,523 | $56,445 |
| New Mexico Patient Care Technician Salary | $29,243 | $41,588 |
| New York Patient Care Technician Salary | $38,918 | $56,445 |
| North Carolina Patient Care Technician Salary | $30,143 | $42,443 |
| North Dakota Patient Care Technician Salary | $34,095 | $45,075 |
| Ohio Patient Care Technician Salary | $32,768 | $47,520 |
| Oklahoma Patient Care Technician Salary | $31,095 | $43,613 |
| Oregon Patient Care Technician Salary | $37,628 | $56,220 |
| Pennsylvania Patient Care Technician Salary | $34,260 | $48,713 |
| Rhode Island Patient Care Technician Salary | $40,688 | $56,265 |
| South Carolina Patient Care Technician Salary | $27,645 | $38,745 |
| South Dakota Patient Care Technician Salary | $31,703 | $46,320 |
| Tennessee Patient Care Technician Salary | $29,355 | $43,118 |
| Texas Patient Care Technician Salary | $30,495 | $44,228 |
| Utah Patient Care Technician Salary | $33,023 | $47,865 |
| Vermont Patient Care Technician Salary | $32,618 | $42,998 |
| Virginia Patient Care Technician Salary | $32,190 | $48,705 |
| Washington Patient Care Technician Salary | $38,505 | $56,438 |
| West Virginia Patient Care Technician Salary | $26,588 | $41,595 |
| Wisconsin Patient Care Technician Salary | $35,250 | $50,535 |
| Wyoming Patient Care Technician Salary | $29,363 | $42,240 |
What are the Salaries of Different Types of Patient Care Technicians?
The salaries of different types of patient care technicians may vary based on factors such as geographic location, years of experience, and level of education. However, here are some approximate salary ranges for common types of patient care technicians in the United States:
Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) are healthcare professionals who provide basic patient care in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies. They typically earn an hourly wage, which varies based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of facility they work in. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), they earn $20,000 – $38,000 per year
Emergency Room Technician
The salary for emergency room technicians can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and employer. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics, which includes emergency room technicians, was $36,650 as of May 2020.
Dialysis Technician
A dialysis technician is a healthcare professional who is responsible for operating and maintaining dialysis equipment used to treat patients with kidney failure. They work under the supervision of a registered nurse or a licensed physician and are trained to monitor patients during the dialysis procedure, take vital signs, and ensure the equipment is working properly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for hemodialysis technicians (which includes dialysis technicians) was $39,100 as of May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,680, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $54,330.
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
Patient Care Technicians (PCTs) are healthcare professionals who work under the supervision of nurses and provide basic patient care such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and collecting specimens. They typically earn an hourly wage, which varies based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of healthcare facility they work in. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2020, the median hourly wage for PCTs was $15.03, with the highest 10% earning more than $22.15 per hour.
What Type of Patient Care Technician Makes the Most Money?
Patient Sitter
A patient sitter is a healthcare worker who is responsible for observing and monitoring patients who may be at risk of harm to themselves or others. This includes patients who may be at risk of falling, patients who are confused or disoriented, or patients who require constant observation for any other reason. The patient sitter is often assigned to stay in the patient’s room and may be responsible for assisting with activities of daily living, such as feeding or toileting, as well as documenting the patient’s condition and any changes in behavior or vital signs.
Average Annual Salary: $29,649
Hourly Rate: $14.25
Job Openings: 188,756
Patient Escort
A patient escort is a healthcare professional responsible for safely transporting patients from one location to another within a healthcare facility. They may use wheelchairs, stretchers, or other specialized equipment to move patients, and ensure that patients are comfortable and safe during the transport process. In addition to physical transport, patient escorts may also be responsible for communicating with patients and their families, providing basic care such as taking vital signs, and keeping accurate records of patient movements.
Average Annual Salary: $33,351
Hourly Rate: $16.03
Job Openings: 174,801
Behavioral Health Technician
A Behavioral Health Technician is a mental health professional who provides support and care to individuals who are struggling with mental illness, behavioral issues, and substance abuse disorders. They work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics, and may assist with activities of daily living, provide emotional support, facilitate group therapy sessions, and help patients develop coping skills and social skills. They may also work closely with other mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers, to develop and implement treatment plans.
Average Annual Income: $34,611
Hourly Rate; $16.64
Job Openings: 99,503
Clinician Technician
A clinical technician is a healthcare professional who works in a clinical setting, such as a hospital, clinic, or physician’s office, and performs a variety of tasks to assist healthcare providers. Clinical technicians may assist with patient care, diagnostic testing, and medical procedures. Some common tasks that a clinical technician may perform include taking vital signs, collecting specimens, administering medications, and setting up and maintaining medical equipment.
Average Annual Salary: $35,760
Hourly Rate: $17.19
Job Openings: 161,812
Emergency Room Technician (ERT)
An Emergency Room Technician (ERT) is a healthcare professional who provides emergency medical care to patients in a hospital setting. They work under the direction of physicians and nurses, and are responsible for performing a variety of tasks such as taking vital signs, obtaining medical histories, assisting with medical procedures, and transporting patients within the hospital. ERTs are also trained to respond quickly to emergency situations and provide immediate care to patients in critical condition.
Average Annual Salary: $35,967
Hourly Rate: $17.29
Job Openings: 129,444
Medical Service Technician
A Medical Service Technician (MST) is a healthcare professional who works in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. They are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment, such as diagnostic imaging machines, surgical tools, and monitoring systems. MSTs may also provide training to medical staff on how to properly use and maintain equipment, as well as respond to emergency situations when equipment fails or malfunctions. Additionally, they may be involved in the procurement and inventory management of medical supplies and equipment.
Average Annual Income: $37,943
Hourly Rate; $18.24
Job Openings: 189,362
What Are the Highest Paying States for Patient Care Technicians?
| Rank | State | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | Job Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | $44,127 | $21.21 | 320 |
| 2 | North Dakota | $36,582 | $17.59 | 274 |
| 3 | Washington | $40,686 | $19.56 | 1,758 |
| 4 | Vermont | $48,079 | $23.11 | 153 |
| 5 | New Hampshire | $38,893 | $18.70 | 403 |
| 6 | Oregon | $40,705 | $19.57 | 884 |
| 7 | Nevada | $37,053 | $17.81 | 491 |
| 8 | Maine | $35,206 | $16.93 | 326 |
| 9 | California | $44,524 | $21.41 | 5,877 |
| 10 | Wisconsin | $33,664 | $16.18 | 1,420 |
According to Zippia
What Are the Top Paying Cities for Patient Care Technicians?
| Rank | City | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rochester, NH | $38,927 | $18.71 |
| 2 | Fargo, ND | $36,502 | $17.55 |
| 3 | Troy, NY | $35,667 | $17.15 |
| 4 | Englewood, CO | $35,433 | $17.04 |
| 5 | Englewood, NJ | $34,412 | $16.54 |
| 6 | Minneapolis, MN | $33,993 | $16.34 |
| 7 | Arlington Heights, IL | $33,696 | $16.20 |
| 8 | Kansas City, KS | $33,426 | $16.07 |
| 9 | Phoenix, AZ | $33,218 | $15.97 |
| 10 | El Paso, TX | $33,035 | $15.88 |
Skills That Affect Patient Care Technician Salaries
Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.
Urology ▲16%
Dialysis ▲7%
Obstetrics ▲7%
Emergency/Trauma ▲6%
Neuroscience ▲5%
Scheduling ▲5%
Phlebotomy ▲3%
Neonatal Intensive Care ▲3%
How Can I Increase my Salary As a Patient Care Technician?
Pursue additional certifications
As shown above, additional certifications in areas such as phlebotomy or EKG can increase your value to employers and result in a higher salary.
Gain More Experience
The more experience you have as a Patient Care Technician, the more valuable you become to employers, which can lead to higher pay.
Further Your Education
Pursuing higher education, such as a degree in nursing, can lead to higher paying positions in the healthcare field.
When starting a new job or during performance evaluations, don’t be afraid to negotiate your pay based on your experience, skills, and the local market.
Consider Working in a different location
Salaries can vary depending on the location of the job. Consider looking for opportunities in areas with higher salaries.
Specialize in a specific area
Specializing in a specific area, such as hemodialysis or pediatrics, can result in higher pay as a Patient Care Technician.
Does A Patient Care Technician Make More Than A Certified Nursing Assistant?
Patient care technicians typically earn a higher salary than certified nursing assistants due to the increased training and education required for the role. While certified nursing assistant training is often a prerequisite for patient care technician programs, the additional skills and responsibilities of the role allow for higher pay. Some healthcare facilities offer training and opportunities for certified nursing assistants to become patient care technicians and gain the necessary skills and competencies for the role.
In general, PCTs make around $14 per hour, which is slightly more than the just under $13 per hour earned by CNAs.
what are the top paying industries for Patient Care Technicians?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top paying industries for patient care technicians include employment services, general medical and surgical hospitals, home healthcare services, other ambulatory healthcare services, and nursing care facilities.
Here are some additional details about the top paying industries for patient care technicians:
Scientific research and development services
This industry pays the highest average annual wage for patient care technicians, with an average salary of $44,120 per year.
Speciality hospitals
This includes hospitals that specialize in areas such as cancer treatment, orthopedics, and rehabilitation. The average annual wage for patient care technicians in this industry is $41,410.
Home healthcare services
Home healthcare services offer in-home medical care to patients, and the average annual wage for patient care technicians in this industry is $34,670.
General medical and surgical hospitals
These hospitals offer a wide range of medical and surgical services, and the average annual wage for patient care technicians in this industry is $34,460.
Outpatient care centers
These centers provide medical care to patients who do not require hospitalization, and the average annual wage for patient care technicians in this industry is $33,950.
How Much More Do Patient Care Technicians Make With Experience?
As in most professions, a patient care technician salary often increases with more experience. Generally, a patient care technician can expect to earn a higher salary than those with less experience – this is because over time, an experienced PCT develops a deeper understanding of patient care and is able to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively. In addition, with more experience comes the potential for career advancement, such as becoming a supervisor or manager, which can also lead to higher salaries.
| Years of Experience | Hourly wage |
| 1-4 | $14.83 |
| 5-9 | $15.92 |
| 10-19 | $16.82 |
| 20+ | $17.58 |
Additional Monetary Benefits of a Patient Care Technician
Overtime pay
Patient care technicians may be eligible for overtime pay if they work more than 40 hours per week, which can significantly increase their earnings.
Tuition Reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement is a common benefit offered by some healthcare facilities to their employees, including patient care technicians. This benefit allows employees to receive financial assistance for continuing education or pursuing a degree in a related field. Some facilities may have specific requirements for tuition reimbursement, such as maintaining a certain GPA or committing to working at the facility for a set period of time after completing the education. This benefit can be a valuable tool for patient care technicians who wish to advance their careers and increase their earning potential.
Health and retirements benefits
Many healthcare facilities offer health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits to their employees, including patient care technicians.
Paid Time Off
Patient care technicians may be eligible for paid time off, including sick leave and vacation days.
Shift differentials
Patient care technicians may receive higher pay for working evening, overnight, or weekend shifts.
Bonuses
Some healthcare facilities offer performance-based bonuses to patient care technicians who meet certain goals or exceed expectations.