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Job outlook for patient sitters in the United States
Patient sitter job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected patient sitter job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 137,800 new jobs for patient sitters are projected over the next decade.
Patient sitter salaries have increased 8% for patient sitters in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,817 patient sitters currently employed in the United States.
There are 188,756 active patient sitter job openings in the US.
The average patient sitter salary is $29,649.
Are patient sitter jobs in demand?
Patient sitter job and salary trends over time
Patient sitter jobs over time
Patient sitter job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,817 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 437 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 4,714 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 2,934 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 2,939 | 0.00% |
Average patient sitter salary over time
Patient sitter salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $29,649 | $14.25 | +5.2% |
| 2025 | $28,174 | $13.55 | --4.3% |
| 2024 | $29,431 | $14.15 | +3.7% |
| 2023 | $28,379 | $13.64 | +3.5% |
| 2022 | $27,420 | $13.18 | +3.4% |
Patient sitter jobs by state
Most common states for patient sitters
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 777 | 58% |
| 2 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 663 | 50% |
| 3 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 2,585 | 46% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,932 | 43% |
| 5 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 2,898 | 43% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 326 | 43% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 418 | 39% |
| 8 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 1,006 | 35% |
| 9 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 2,498 | 34% |
| 10 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 1,204 | 34% |
| 11 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,893 | 33% |
| 12 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 1,053 | 33% |
| 13 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 344 | 33% |
| 14 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 3,327 | 32% |
| 15 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 3,146 | 32% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,774 | 32% |
| 17 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 648 | 31% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 601 | 31% |
| 19 | Vermont | 623,657 | 192 | 31% |
| 20 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,831 | 30% |
Most common cities for patient sitters
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hemet | 6 | 7% | $31,890 |
| 2 | Dedham | 1 | 4% | $35,345 |
| 3 | Gadsden | 1 | 3% | $23,330 |
| 4 | Ann Arbor | 3 | 2% | $28,328 |
| 5 | Tuscaloosa | 2 | 2% | $23,304 |
| 6 | East Lansing | 1 | 2% | $28,729 |
| 7 | Hilton Head Island | 1 | 2% | $20,183 |
| 8 | Tampa | 2 | 1% | $21,016 |
| 9 | Amarillo | 1 | 1% | $24,808 |
| 10 | Boca Raton | 1 | 1% | $20,959 |
| 11 | Boynton Beach | 1 | 1% | $20,962 |
| 12 | Houston | 4 | 0% | $23,618 |
| 13 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $27,216 |
| 14 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $35,392 |
| 15 | San Antonio | 2 | 0% | $23,930 |
Patient Sitter job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of patient sitter experts
Oklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
Springfield College
Old Dominion University
Merrimack College
Bellevue College
Endicott College
Georgia State University
Georgia State University
Misericordia Home
Carlow University
University of Charleston
Holy Names University
Eastern Michigan University
Fairfield University
Jeanne Martin PhD, MSN, RN, CNE
Clinical Associate ProfessorWhat will help Patient Sitters increase their earning potential?
Jeanne Martin PhD, MSN, RN, CNE: I think honing clinical judgment is the KEY to safe patient care. A lack of clinical judgment competency is associated with preventable nursing errors, such as medication inaccuracies or failure to recognize a patient is deteriorating and then step in to rescue that patient. These errors are more prevalent in new graduate nurses. This is why the National Council State Board of Nursing changed the licensure exam to reflect the Clinical Judgment Model. As the complexities of health care expand, the clinical judgment of the nurse must expand with it.
Penny Ridenour
Dean of School of Health SciencesOklahoma State University - Oklahoma City
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Patient Sitter?
Penny Ridenour: In order to maximize your earnings, flexibility is key to fit the niche the employer needs. Intentionally accept assignments that will allow growth in a specialization. If possible, ask to shadow other professionals proficient in the specialization you desire.
What Patient Sitter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Penny Ridenour: To differentiate yourself from the other new professionals entering healthcare after graduation, pay attention to the soft skills employers are looking for. Listening, empathy, and communication skills polish professional persona. Also, developing skills in resiliency will equip new professionals for a growing career in healthcare.
Megan Harvey Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Health ScienceSpringfield College
School of Health Sciences
What skills stand out on Patient Sitter resumes?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: Students who plan to go into the health care field need to have both determination and thick skin and the ability to be empathic and understand their patients. We've seen the way health care professionals are being treated change, even just in the past 5 years. It can be a hard balance to walk for health care professionals, to be both firm about evidence-based practice and empathetic and kind to their patients, but it's really the only way to achieve the best possible patient outcomes. I imagine that showing that you have worked in challenging health care situations is one way to show that you're developing this skill on your resume.
What skills will help Patient Sitters earn the most?
Megan Harvey Ph.D.: The highest earners are probably those who know how to set themselves apart from their peers and who are warm and approachable to their patients. You can't fake being a good health care provider, and you won't be a high earner in this field unless you're good at what you do. There's no shortcut for putting the time and effort in that it takes to truly care about getting the best outcome possible for your patient.
Carolyn Rutledge Ph.D.
Professor, Associate Chair, Director Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) ProgramOld Dominion University
School of Nursing
What hard/technical skills are most important for Patient Sitters?
Carolyn Rutledge Ph.D.: Proficiency with computer programs such as Word & Excel.
What skills will help Patient Sitters earn the most?
Carolyn Rutledge Ph.D.: High emotional intelligence, drive, organizational skills, ability to use telehealth,
Comora Sarah
Assistant Clinical ProfessorMerrimack College
Nursing Department
What soft skills should all Patient Sitters possess?
Comora Sarah: Ability to effectively communicate with all patients and interdisciplinary team members, willing to be flexible with shifts and scheduling, a team player with a great work ethic.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Patient Sitters?
Comora Sarah: Ability to accurately take and record vital signs, safe patient mobility practice, and ability to assist clients with activities of daily living.
What skills will help Patient Sitters earn the most?
Comora Sarah: CNA are paid differently across the industry and in different settings. From an education and training perspective in CNA onboarding, it is more beneficial to an organization to hire candidates that have demonstrated the soft set of skills mentioned. The theory is that in the position of Certified Nursing Assistant, hard skills can be taught, and competency can be achieved after hire if you have the right candidate for your organization and team.
What soft skills should all Patient Sitters possess?
Marina Orobinskaia: Friendliness, positive energy, leadership.
What's a good job out of college for Patient Sitters?
Bethany Nasser Ph.D.: Nursing as there is always a need. As a nurse you can be at the bedside, in a hospital, home care, educator, travel nurse and there are so many roles. It is the best career as most nurses work three 12-hour shifts and it is a great career to have a family.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Patient Sitters to find work opportunities?
Joan Cranford: California, New York, Atlanta, GA, D.C, New Jersey
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Patient Sitter job market given the pandemic?
Joan Cranford: -Increase in hiring
-More internshipsprograms to prepare new nurses
-More across state line licensin
-Increased telehealth training to care for non-COVID patients
-Unemployed and retired nurses returning to work
-Ability to cope in stressful situations
Traci Sims
Clinical Associate ProfessorGeorgia State University
Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Patient Sitters to find work opportunities?
Traci Sims: California; New York; Atlanta, Georgia; Washington, D.C.; New Jersey
What skills stand out on Patient Sitter resumes?
Traci Sims: - Exposure to caring for COVID patients
- Knowledge of appropriate infection control standards, i.e., use of personal protective equipment
- Critical care experience
- High-level nursing skills
- Initiative
- Ability to deal with and work in stressful situations
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Patient Sitter job market given the pandemic?
Abby Murray: In skilled nursing facilities and care settings, we are open for business. Unlike other businesses where remote work is a possibility, we are here 24/7 and committed to providing excellent care.
What Patient Sitter skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Abby Murray: Consider a gap year working in direct care positions to explore if a new career path is right for you. There is a great need for frontline workers in long-term care facilities with unlimited career growth potential, and we even provide paid training.
What general advice would you give to a Patient Sitter?
Abby Murray: Smile! The gesture of a simple smile is so important when exploring new opportunities and while working. Your future employer and co-workers want to work with friendly and positive employees.
Janice Nash
Professor, Director of the Undergraduate Nursing ProgramCarlow University
College of Health and Wellness
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Patient Sitter job market given the pandemic?
Janice Nash: I believe that there will be more opportunities for nurses in many areas of practice. There may be more flexible scheduling options than before the pandemic.
What skills stand out on Patient Sitter resumes?
Janice Nash: Graduates who had internships or experience working in healthcare in addition to the required clinical courses are at an advantage. An applicant who highlights their ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and problem-solve will be noticed.
What experience really stands out on Patient Sitter resumes?
Amy Bruce: -Most importantly volunteer - shows humility
-Variety - shows flexibility
-Consistency - shows loyalty
Dr. Pamela Stanley
Interim DeanHoly Names University
School of Nursing
What type of skills will young Patient Sitters need?
Dr. Pamela Stanley: The skills that nursing students will need upon graduation in the next few years remains like those of the past. Understanding the role of a nurse and grasping the skills set required to start work as an advanced beginner within the nursing world.
Michael Williams Ph.D.
Director and Associate ProfessorEastern Michigan University
School of Nursing
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Patient Sitters in the next 5 years?
Michael Williams Ph.D.: Nurses will continue to be in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% growth from 2019-2029 for all registered nurses, but a 45% growth is projected for advanced practice nurses. There are projected 175,900 openings for RNs each year through 2029 due to nurse retirements and workforce exits. Many factors contribute to the demand-supply issue; specifically, 1) the nursing workforce is known to be older (47.5% are over the age of 50) than other occupations, and 2) the ongoing shortage of qualified faculty to prepare nursing students.
As a result of the pandemic, we see older nurses choose to retire earlier than planned, and some nurses choose to stay home to care for their children or more aging parents. So the demand will continue, the supply will continue to be insufficient, but there will be nurses. I am hopeful that Michigan, a state that has restricted practice for nurse practitioners, will finally grant full practice authority for nurse practitioners so they can perform at the highest level of their education and training.
I am thrilled to share that our applicant pool for our BSN program at Eastern Michigan University was at an all-time high this summer for the limited spaces we have. When asking the incoming students if they had any hesitancies about becoming a nurse during the pandemic, the response was overwhelming "we're more committed than ever before." This is excellent news for everyone.