How much does a personal support worker earn in Alberta?

Roughly $41,800 in the first years and $47,400 by year five (Alberta median, before tax). Source: ALIS program page NorQuest HCA 2025/26; ALIS Health Care Aide profile (forecast Hot).

What does it cost in Alberta?

About $2,485 in tuition and fees; typical debt if you borrow $0. 8 months at NorQuest; the Alberta grant covers it. Many roles are part-time or casual.

How long does it take?

About 0 years, first real paycheque in about 8 months.

Straight to work

Personal support worker

Health Care Aide (Alberta HCA Directory)

Numbers for 21 of 30 verified for Alberta; "start something" routes use national figures · How we verify

Trades are 3 to 4 periods at NAIT or SAIT; RAP lets high-school students start. Numbers from ALIS (Alberta wage survey and outlook), NAIT, SAIT and the University of Alberta.

Years to credential0

First real paycheque~8 months

Time in a classroom50%

Total cost$2,485

Typical debt after$0

Demand in AlbertaHigh

The first ten years

schoolearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearnearn

Mostly in schoolEarning

Earnings by year, roughly

Alberta median before tax. Overtime, location and specialisation change this a lot. Net by year 10 after program cost: $457k, low to high $387k to $526k.

What's in "net by year 10"

Earnings, years 1 to 10	$459k	$41,800 rising to $47,400 by year five, flat after
Program cost	−$2k	tuition and fees
Typical (medians)	$457k	the number on the card
Low to high	$387k to $526k	pay 15% under or over the median, cost 15% more or 10% less

Not counted: income tax, rent, food, loan interest, inflation, and unemployment gaps. They apply to every route, so they change the size of each number more than the order. Pay is the Alberta median before tax from the sources on this page.

The picture

What the day-to-day isPersonal care for seniors and patients in long-term care, hospitals or homes.

What actually stops peopleNone. Ontario has subsidised most PSW tuition because the shortage is severe.

The downsidePhysically and emotionally demanding, and wages plateau early. Many use it as a step into nursing.

If you're the parentA guaranteed job in under a year, often with free tuition, and a natural bridge into practical nursing later.

Local opportunities in Alberta

Ready to explore this for real?

Eight quick questions about whether this route fits your life, not just your grades. You'll get a readiness check, and if you want, we'll introduce you to employers, unions or programs in your region.

Check my readiness

How to enter

What you need

No specific courses or average; Grade 12 (or equivalent) and a willingness to show up

Deadlines in Alberta

No deadline; hiring year round

Next steps in Alberta

Save or share this pathway

Email it to yourself or someone who should see it.

In Alberta8 months at NorQuest; the Alberta grant covers it. Many roles are part-time or casual.

alis.alberta.ca · alis.alberta.ca

✓ Verified 2026-10-09 for Alberta Sources: ALIS program page NorQuest HCA 2025/26; ALIS Health Care Aide profile (forecast Hot)

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