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Clinical Support Worker Salary: U.S. Pay Ranges by Experience & Setting

Clinical Support Workers (CSWs) — also called Patient Care Technicians, Nursing Assistants, or Healthcare Assistants — provide direct patient care under RN/physician supervision.

U.S. Hourly Wage Ranges (2023–2024 Estimates)

Geographic & Setting Multipliers

Metro / High COL (CA, NY, MA, WA): +20–40%.
Hospital (acute care): Base + shift diffs (eve +10–15%, night +15–20%, weekend +$2–5/hr).
Travel / Registry / Per Diem: $30–$50+/hr (no benefits).
LTC / Home Health / Outpatient: Often lower base, variable benefits.

Total Compensation

Benefits (health, 401k match, PTO, tuition, loan forgiveness) add 25–35% value. Union contracts (e.g., 1199SEIU) set floors.

Career Ladder

CSW → LPN (bridge) → RN (ADN/BSN) → NP/PA. Many employers offer tuition assistance.

Check: BLS OES, state labor dept, hospital job postings, Glassdoor/Indeed for local current rates.

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Level	Experience / Credentials	Hourly Range	Annualized (FTE)
Entry	CNA/CMA, 0–1 yr	$14–$18	$29k–$37k
Experienced	2–5 yrs, specialty certs (phlebotomy, EKG, dialysis)	$18–$24	$37k–$50k
Advanced / Lead	5+ yrs, charge/preceptor role, advanced certs	$24–$32	$50k–$67k