Home Health and Personal Care Aides: Salary, Education, and Career Path (2026)
The U.S. has 3,988,140 home health and personal care aides, and they earn a median of $34,900/year. The range runs from $26K to $44K. Washington pays the most.
What it takes
The BLS lists the typical education for this role as varies by employer.
Entry-level home health and personal care aides start around $26K. The gap between that and the median ($35K) is where experience, certifications, and location make the difference.
Top earners clear $44K, but that's the 90th percentile. Getting there usually takes a decade or more of experience, the right credentials, and being in a high-paying market.
Salary progression
Highest paying states
| State | Median salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $46K | 100,360 |
| Rhode Island | $42K | 8,800 |
| Oregon | $41K | 38,890 |
| Massachusetts | $40K | 108,090 |
| District of Columbia | $39K | 11,490 |
| North Dakota | $39K | 7,090 |
| Alaska | $38K | 6,220 |
| Connecticut | $38K | 41,890 |
| New York | $38K | 623,000 |
| Maine | $38K | 18,080 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a home health and personal care aides make?▼
The median home health and personal care aides salary in the United States is $34,900 per year ($17/hour). Entry-level positions start around $25,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $44,190.
What education do you need to become a home health and personal care aides?▼
The BLS lists the typical entry-level education as varies by employer. State licensing or certification requirements vary, so check your state's board for specifics.
What is the job outlook for home health and personal care aides?▼
Check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest employment projections for home health and personal care aides.
What are the highest paying states for home health and personal care aides?▼
The highest paying states for home health and personal care aides are Washington ($46,140), Rhode Island ($41,890), Oregon ($41,490), Massachusetts ($39,520), District of Columbia ($39,420). Salaries vary significantly by location due to cost of living and local demand.