Pharmacy Aides vs. Home Health and Personal Care Aides: Who Earns More?
Pharmacy Aides out-earn Home Health and Personal Care Aides by $2K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Pharmacy Aides land at $37,680 and Home Health and Personal Care Aides at $35,800. The education gap is real: pharmacy aide programs typically require postsecondary nondegree award, while home health and personal care aide programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Pharmacy Aides is District of Columbia ($59,960); for Home Health and Personal Care Aides it's Washington ($47,730).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Pharmacy Aides median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Pharmacy Aides or Home Health and Personal Care Aides?
Pharmacy Aides earn more nationally. The median is $37,680 for Pharmacy Aides versus $35,800 for Home Health and Personal Care Aides, a difference of $2K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Pharmacy Aides or Home Health and Personal Care Aides?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides has the better 10-year outlook at 17% projected growth, compared to -0.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Pharmacy Aides or Home Health and Personal Care Aides?
Pharmacy Aides typically requires postsecondary nondegree award. Home Health and Personal Care Aides requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Pharmacy Aides get paid the most?
District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Pharmacy Aides at $59,960/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Pharmacy Aides vs. Home Health and Personal Care Aides pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In District of Columbia, Pharmacy Aides earn $59,960 vs. $42,700 for Home Health and Personal Care Aides. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.