Psychiatric Aides vs. Home Health and Personal Care Aides: Who Earns More?
Psychiatric Aides out-earn Home Health and Personal Care Aides by $9K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Psychiatric Aides land at $44,910 and Home Health and Personal Care Aides at $35,800. The education gap is real: psychiatric 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 Psychiatric Aides is Minnesota ($55,040); for Home Health and Personal Care Aides it's Washington ($47,730).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Psychiatric Aides median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Psychiatric Aides or Home Health and Personal Care Aides?
Psychiatric Aides earn more nationally. The median is $44,910 for Psychiatric Aides versus $35,800 for Home Health and Personal Care Aides, a difference of $9K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Psychiatric 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 -0.4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Psychiatric Aides or Home Health and Personal Care Aides?
Psychiatric 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 Psychiatric Aides get paid the most?
Minnesota is the top-paying state for Psychiatric Aides at $55,040/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Psychiatric Aides vs. Home Health and Personal Care Aides pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Minnesota, Psychiatric Aides earn $55,040 vs. $38,370 for Home Health and Personal Care Aides. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.