🏥 Healthcare
↑ 22% growth · Much faster than average
Personal Care Aide (PCA)
PCAs provide non-medical support — helping individuals with disabilities or chronic illness live independently. Different from HHAs in that PCAs focus more on social support and daily living assistance rather than clinical tasks.
$29,430
Median Salary
4.0M
US Jobs
1–4 weeks
Training
$200–$1,500
Typical Cost
💰 Salary & Earning Potential
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.
📈 Job Outlook
22%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Much faster than average
4.0M
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
State PCA Certification
Required Credential
State PCA Certification (varies)
🎓 Training & Education
Typical Program
PCA Certificate
Program Length
1–4 weeks
Typical Tuition
$200–$1,500
Work Setting
Private homes, community programs, group homes
🏆 Credential Required: State PCA Certification (varies)
☀️ Day in the Life
A typical day as a Personal Care Aide (PCA) involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Private homes environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✅ Strong job security
- ✅ Rewarding work
- ✅ Clear career progression
- ✅ Growing demand
Challenges
- ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
- ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
- ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region
🗺️ Personal Care Aide (PCA) by State
See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:
FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC