How to Become a Home Health and Personal Care Aides in California
Home Health and Personal Care Aides in California earn a median salary of $34,600/year, which is 1% below the national average. California has a state income tax of ~1.6%. After taxes and rent, a home health and personal care aides takes home approximately $1,028/month. Most positions require High school diploma or equivalent.
What a home health and personal care aides can afford in California
Becoming a home health and personal care aides in California
Meet education requirements
Home Health and Personal Care Aides positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many home health and personal care aides positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for home health and personal care aidess. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 875,110 home health and personal care aides. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and Napa.
Home Health and Personal Care Aides salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $37K | $17.75/hr | 44,750 |
| Napa | $37K | $17.62/hr | 2,560 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $36K | $17.24/hr | 109,070 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $35K | $16.85/hr | 51,760 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $35K | $16.78/hr | 8,980 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $35K | $16.64/hr | 350,610 |
| Hanford-Corcoran | $34K | $16.33/hr | 3,040 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $34K | $16.29/hr | 14,670 |
| Salinas | $34K | $16.15/hr | 6,410 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $34K | $16.13/hr | 5,710 |
| Vallejo | $34K | $16.12/hr | 7,430 |
| Merced | $34K | $16.12/hr | 4,460 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $33K | $16.09/hr | 4,230 |
| Bakersfield-Delano | $33K | $16.07/hr | 14,550 |
| Chico | $33K | $16.06/hr | 5,700 |
Home Health and Personal Care Aides salary range in California
Home Health and Personal Care Aides careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a home health and personal care aides make in California?▼
The median home health and personal care aides salary in California is $34,600 per year ($16.64/hr). This is 1% below the national median of $34,900. Salaries range from $33,280 to $38,830.
What are the requirements to become a home health and personal care aides in California?▼
Home Health and Personal Care Aides positions in California typically require High school diploma or equivalent. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a home health and personal care aides afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $34,600, a home health and personal care aides in California would take home approximately $2,440/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 57.9% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for home health and personal care aides in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for home health and personal care aides in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($36,920), Napa ($36,650), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($35,870). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for home health and personal care aides?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.6%. On a $34,600 salary, this means roughly $565/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.