How much does a Personal Care Assistant make?
Personal Care Assistants, often known as PCAs, offer vital support to people who need help with daily activities. These professionals make a meaningful difference in people's lives. The average yearly salary for PCAs stands at $32,935. This figure offers a solid income for those in this caring profession.
Earnings for PCAs vary based on experience, location, and the setting of their work. Some PCAs might start with a salary below the average while others with more experience or specialized skills earn more. Below is a snapshot of the salary distribution for PCAs:
- 10th percentile: $22,000
- 25th percentile: $24,491
- 50th percentile: $29,473
- 75th percentile: $36,945
- 90th percentile: $44,418
These figures show a clear trend: salaries increase with experience and expertise.
What are the highest paying cities for a Personal Care Assistant?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $50,538
In San Francisco, individuals can find rewarding roles in elder care. The city is home to top facilities like Sharp HealthCare and Kaiser Permanente. These roles provide care and companionship to those in need.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $49,332
Boston offers many opportunities in personal care. Here, professionals can work with patients in renowned institutions like Massachusetts General Hospital and Tufts Medical Center. The city values compassionate care and professional service.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $47,283
Working in the nation's capital can be fulfilling. DC has several notable employers such as Johns Hopkins Medicine and MedStar Health. This role involves providing essential care to the community, ensuring the well-being of patients.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $44,554
Los Angeles has many opportunities for those in personal care. Large healthcare facilities like Cedars-Sinai and UCLA Health offer diverse roles. The city values dedication and care, making it a great place to work.
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Modesto, CA
Average Salary: $42,669
Modesto offers a chance to make a difference in people’s lives. Local facilities like Memorial Medical Center and Emanuel Medical Center look for dedicated caregivers. The role is rewarding and impactful for those looking to help others.
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Bend, OR
Average Salary: $42,621
Bend is a beautiful place to work in personal care. The city’s healthcare providers, including St. Charles Medical Center, offer fulfilling roles. Working here means providing care in a serene and supportive environment.
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Spokane, WA
Average Salary: $42,440
Spokane provides a range of opportunities for care professionals. Institutions like Providence and Spokane Clinic look for dedicated staff. The city values caring and attentive service to its residents.
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Visalia, CA
Average Salary: $42,197
Visalia offers a variety of positions in elder care. Facilities like Kaweah Health and Adventist Health are prominent employers. Working here means providing essential care and support to the community.
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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $41,598
Portland provides many opportunities in personal care. The city’s healthcare providers, such as Providence and Kaiser Permanente, look for compassionate professionals. The role here is both rewarding and impactful.
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Riverside, CA
Average Salary: $41,503
Riverside offers a range of positions in personal care. Key employers include Riverside University Health System and Loma Linda University Medical Center. The role is vital, providing essential support and care to patients.
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What are the best companies a Personal Care Assistant can work for?

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SpiriTrust Lutheran
Average Salary: $59,893
SpiriTrust Lutheran offers rewarding Personal Care Assistant roles. They provide in-home and community-based services. Their care centers are located in various areas, ensuring they are close to those they serve.
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White Glove Community Care
Average Salary: $55,708
At White Glove Community Care, Personal Care Assistants help clients live independently. They offer a variety of programs in different neighborhoods, providing flexibility in work locations.
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Center for Elders' Independence
Average Salary: $54,930
Center for Elders' Independence values its Personal Care Assistants. They support clients in San Francisco and surrounding areas, focusing on home-based care.
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San Ysidro Health
Average Salary: $54,133
San Ysidro Health provides essential care to clients in Southern California. Their Personal Care Assistants work in both community and home settings, offering a dynamic work environment.
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Fairmount Homes, Inc
Average Salary: $53,486
Fairmount Homes, Inc focuses on elder care with Personal Care Assistants. They operate in Los Angeles, offering various care options to their residents.
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Golden Valley Health Centers
Average Salary: $49,549
Golden Valley Health Centers provides comprehensive care. Their Personal Care Assistants work in multiple locations across the Central Valley, offering diverse experiences.
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Korean Women's Association
Average Salary: $47,297
The Korean Women's Association offers meaningful work for Personal Care Assistants. They support elderly members in various community locations, emphasizing cultural sensitivity.
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Los Angeles Jewish Health
Average Salary: $46,429
Los Angeles Jewish Health values its Personal Care Assistants. They provide home and community care, focusing on the well-being of their clients in diverse neighborhoods.
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WelbeHealth
Average Salary: $46,259
WelbeHealth emphasizes providing personalized care. Their Personal Care Assistants work in several locations, ensuring clients receive the support they need at home.
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New Heights Ventures
Average Salary: $43,994
New Heights Ventures offers supportive care through Personal Care Assistants. They operate in various neighborhoods, providing essential home-based care services.
How to earn more as a Personal Care Assistant?
Personal Care Assistants play a vital role in helping individuals with daily tasks. They can earn more by taking steps to enhance their skills and marketability. One effective way to increase earnings is by gaining specialized certifications. These credentials can open doors to higher-paying positions.
Another way to earn more is by gaining experience in different settings. Working in various environments, such as hospitals or private homes, can make a Personal Care Assistant more versatile. This can lead to higher-paying job opportunities. Networking with other professionals in the field can also uncover new job prospects. Attending conferences and joining professional groups can help build these connections. Finally, seeking out roles with additional responsibilities can lead to higher pay. For example, a Personal Care Assistant who learns to administer medication can command a higher wage.
Here are some steps to help increase earnings:
- Get specialized certifications.
- Gain experience in different settings.
- Network with other professionals.
- Seek roles with more responsibilities.
- Consider further education or advanced training.



