A patient care technician (PCT) plays 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.
With the growing demand for healthcare professionals, many are considering a career as a PCT. One of the most frequently asked questions is: How much does a patient care technician make?
The answer for a patient care tech varies based on location, experience, and workplace setting, but this article will explore PCT salaries, factors influencing wages, and opportunities for career growth.
Patient Care Technician Salary Overview
Patient care professionals earn a median annual salary of $38,130 as of May 2023. Most patient care technicians earned salaries ranging from $30,260 to $48,780, according to the latest data from the U. S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics.
Several factors influence how much PCTs earn:
- Experience level: More experienced and certified PCTs typically earn higher salaries. Entry-level positions may start around $30,260 annually, while those with more experience can earn up to $48,000.
- Workplace setting: PCTs working within the Government tend to earn higher wages, with an average annual salary of $43,410. Other areas within the high earners among PCTs are hospitals in the private sector and nursing care facilities.
- Geographic location: Salaries vary by state and city. For example, in Florida, the average salary for a PCT is $36,150, but this can vary depending on the city and other factors.
The job outlook for PCTs is positive, with the BLS projecting a 4% increase in job opportunities by 2033. This growth is driven by an aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services.
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.
How Much Does a Patient Care Technician Make?
The national patient care technician wage is approximately $38,130, with most salaries ranging between $30,260 and $48,780 annually.
The average hourly wage for a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in the United States is approximately $18.33, with most wages ranging between $14.55 and $23.45 per hour. However, wages can be significantly higher in states with greater demand for healthcare workers.
Patient Care Technician Salary by State
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. After that, they will need some on-the-job training at a minimum.
Nonetheless, having specialized certifications can significantly boost your earning potential and make you a more competitive candidate. Consider the following:
- 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 4-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.
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 4% between 2023 and 2033, which is within the other jobs growth on average. 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.
Patient Care Technician vs. Medical Assistant
As the names imply, medical assistants and patient care technicians are both medical professions. There are key differences between the two, however, that may make one a better fit for you. Both jobs require compassion, critical thinking, and a desire to help others.
A medical assistant is someone that focuses on both the medical care of patients and administrative tasks. They are often responsible for checking vital signs, giving certain injections, scheduling appointments, billing insurance, and more.
Patient care technicians help with the day-to-day, basic care of patients, making sure their hygiene, nutrition, and social needs are met.
Which Career Path is Better between Medical Assistant and Patient Care Technician?
Choosing between a patient care tech and a medical assistant depends on your interests and career goals.
- Choose PCT if you prefer hands-on patient care in hospital settings, assisting with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, and working closely with nurses. This path is great for those who want direct involvement in patient well-being and potential career growth in nursing.
- Choose MA if you prefer a mix of administrative and clinical duties. MAs handle patient intake, medical records, and assist with minor procedures, making them essential in doctor’s offices and outpatient clinics.
FAQs About Medical Assistant vs. Patient Care Technician Careers
Do medical assistants or patient care technicians make more?
Medical assistants earn about $7,000 more per year than patient care technicians.
How long does it take to become a medical assistant vs patient care technician ?
You can become a medical assistant or a patient care technician with a high school diploma or GED. However, if you choose to become a certified medical assistant, you will have to complete a program and pass a certification exam. Programs can be completed in as little as 6 weeks online but accelerated medical assistant programs aren’t always the best option for everyone.
Is it harder to become a medical assistant or patient care technician ?
Since most employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants, it can be harder to become a medical assistant.
What can a patient care technician do that a medical assistant can’t?
Patient care technicians may get special training on driving patients around from place to place and can enter patients homes. If they receive special training, patient care technicians can draw blood, place urinary catheters, and measure vital signs. Sometimes, medical assistants can’t do these things depending on their training and where they are working.
Is a medical assistant or patient care technician higher up?
Medical assistants and patient care technicians are both considered entry-level healthcare careers. Neither is “higher up” than the other, and they have similar scope of practice within the healthcare system.
Can a medical assistant act as a patient care technician?
A medical assistant would need some training to become a patient care technician, but would not need any more special certifications than what they already have.
Can a medical assistant become a patient care technician and vice-versa?
Yes, a medical assistant can become a patient care technician and a patient care technician could become a medical assistant. They would each need to complete some on-the-job training by their new employers.
Other Healthcare Career Comparisons
Here are some other career comparisons we've written that may help you decide which is best for you:
- Medical Assistant vs. Nurse
- Medical Assistant vs. Certified Nursing Assistant
- Medical Assistant vs. Pharmacy Technician
- Medical Assistant vs. Licensed Practical Nurse
- Medical Assistant vs. Phlebotomist
- Medical Assistant vs. Physician Assistant
- Medical Assistant vs. Dental Assistant
- Medical Assisting vs. Medical Coding & Billing
- Medical Assistant vs. EMT
- Medical Assistant vs. Medical Lab Technician
- Medical Assistant vs. Medical Administrative Assistant
- Medical Assistant vs. Certified Medical Assistant vs. Registered Medical Assistant
- Alternatives to a Medical Assistant Career
- Highest-Paying Healthcare Jobs That Don't Require a College Degree
