Home Health Aides (HHAs) in the US earn an average of $36,120 per year or $15.08 per hour. This guide breaks down HHA pay by state, employer, and experience.
The uncomfortable truth: home health aides provide essential care for elderly and disabled individuals, but compensation doesn’t reflect the importance of the work. Pay is low, benefits are often limited, and physical/emotional demands are high. That said, the field offers fast entry into healthcare with clear advancement paths to better-paying roles.
Pay at a Glance (BLS Data)
Bureau of Labor Statistics wage estimates for home health and personal care aides, across all industries:
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $27,040 | $13.00 |
| 25th | $31,920 | $15.35 |
| 50th (median) | $35,800 | $17.21 |
| 75th | $39,470 | $18.98 |
| 90th | $45,040 | $21.65 |
| Average (mean) | $36,120 | $17.37 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, for Home Health and Personal Care Aides (all industries). Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. “Not published” means BLS withheld the estimate, usually because wages are above its top reporting limit.
What Home Health Aides Actually Do
Daily responsibilities vary by client needs:
| Task | Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Personal care | Daily | Bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming assistance |
| Mobility assistance | Daily | Transfers, walking support, repositioning |
| Medication reminders | Daily | Remind client to take medications (can’t administer) |
| Meal preparation | Daily | Cook, feed, ensure nutritional needs met |
| Light housekeeping | Daily | Laundry, dishes, tidying client’s space |
| Companionship | Ongoing | Conversation, emotional support, activities |
| Health monitoring | Ongoing | Observe changes, report to supervisor |
| Transportation | As needed | Doctor appointments, errands |
A typical home health aide shift:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Arrive, greet client, review care plan |
| 8:30 AM | Assist with morning routine (bathing, dressing) |
| 9:30 AM | Prepare and serve breakfast |
| 10:30 AM | Medication reminders, light housekeeping |
| 12:00 PM | Prepare lunch, assist with eating |
| 1:00 PM | Companionship activities, mobility exercises |
| 2:00 PM | Help client rest, documentation |
| 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Afternoon care, travel to next client |
Client types you may work with:
| Population | Percentage | Key Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Elderly (aging in place) | 60% | Mobility, cognitive decline, chronic conditions |
| Disabled adults | 20% | Physical/developmental disabilities |
| Post-surgery recovery | 10% | Temporary intensive care, wound monitoring |
| Hospice/End-of-life | 10% | Comfort care, family support, emotional demands |
Quick Answer: Home Health Aide Salary
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Average annual salary | $36,120 |
| Average hourly wage | $15.08 |
| Entry-level salary | $25,000 |
| Top 10% earn | $39,000+ |
| Total employed | 3.6 million |
Home Health Aide Salary by State
| Rank | State | Avg Salary | Starting Salary | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $48,210 | $40,130 | $47,730 |
| 2 | Oregon | $44,650 | $37,650 | $44,410 |
| 3 | District of Columbia | $42,540 | $38,290 | $42,700 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | $42,330 | $31,860 | $43,680 |
| 5 | Massachusetts | $42,080 | $36,960 | $40,910 |
| 6 | North Dakota | $41,490 | $36,220 | $39,440 |
| 7 | Vermont | $41,300 | $31,310 | $41,600 |
| 8 | New York | $41,130 | $36,960 | $39,620 |
| 9 | Alaska | $40,450 | $30,710 | $39,740 |
| 10 | Connecticut | $40,280 | $34,010 | $38,990 |
| 11 | Colorado | $40,240 | $35,420 | $38,540 |
| 12 | New Hampshire | $40,170 | $31,950 | $38,760 |
| 13 | Maine | $40,110 | $35,130 | $38,580 |
| 14 | Minnesota | $39,780 | $33,000 | $38,370 |
| 15 | New Jersey | $39,690 | $32,220 | $37,090 |
| 16 | Maryland | $39,510 | $31,540 | $38,040 |
| 17 | South Dakota | $39,260 | $32,500 | $37,740 |
| 18 | Hawaii | $39,160 | $31,200 | $38,110 |
| 19 | Kentucky | $38,540 | $28,110 | $36,440 |
| 20 | Illinois | $38,210 | $34,200 | $38,060 |
| 21 | Iowa | $36,940 | $30,420 | $36,080 |
| 22 | Nebraska | $36,900 | $30,670 | $36,150 |
| 23 | Utah | $36,860 | $30,730 | $35,880 |
| 24 | Montana | $36,770 | $29,370 | $36,630 |
| 25 | Arizona | $36,440 | $30,990 | $36,420 |
| 26 | California | $36,420 | $34,320 | $34,320 |
| 27 | Wyoming | $35,810 | $27,700 | $33,190 |
| 28 | Wisconsin | $35,370 | $28,030 | $36,340 |
| 29 | Delaware | $35,300 | $31,200 | $34,320 |
| 30 | Michigan | $34,890 | $27,880 | $35,000 |
| 31 | Indiana | $34,700 | $29,390 | $35,060 |
| 32 | Florida | $34,590 | $30,660 | $33,800 |
| 33 | Idaho | $34,220 | $28,010 | $34,790 |
| 34 | Ohio | $34,190 | $28,370 | $34,460 |
| 35 | Missouri | $34,020 | $28,600 | $33,080 |
| 36 | Tennessee | $33,070 | $28,090 | $32,130 |
| 37 | Virginia | $32,640 | $26,980 | $30,300 |
| 38 | Nevada | $32,480 | $26,400 | $33,670 |
| 39 | Kansas | $32,360 | $27,090 | $31,260 |
| 40 | North Carolina | $32,320 | $24,690 | $31,240 |
| 41 | Pennsylvania | $31,460 | $26,510 | $29,420 |
| 42 | Georgia | $31,040 | $23,720 | $29,270 |
| 43 | South Carolina | $30,480 | $23,600 | $30,110 |
| 44 | New Mexico | $30,120 | $26,400 | $28,520 |
| 45 | Alabama | $28,720 | $22,470 | $27,840 |
| 46 | Oklahoma | $28,600 | $22,940 | $27,710 |
| 47 | Arkansas | $28,100 | $23,940 | $27,660 |
| 48 | West Virginia | $27,760 | $22,430 | $28,010 |
| 49 | Texas | $26,070 | $21,980 | $24,230 |
| 50 | Mississippi | $25,380 | $21,870 | $23,860 |
| 51 | Louisiana | $24,430 | $19,190 | $22,520 |
| — | National | $36,120 | $27,040 | $35,800 |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2025 estimates, fetched 2026-09-29. Figures cover Home Health and Personal Care Aides (cross-industry). Some states are omitted where BLS did not publish a reliable estimate.
Home Health Aide Salary by Employer
| Employer Type | Average Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Home health agency | $31,370 | $15.08 |
| Private duty (direct hire) | $35,000+ | $16.83+ |
| Medicaid/Medicare waiver | $28,500 | $13.70 |
| Hospice services | $33,450 | $16.08 |
| Residential care facility | $30,120 | $14.48 |
| Mental health/disability | $32,500 | $15.63 |
| Live-in caregiver | $40,000+ | Room + board |
Home Health Aide Salary by Experience
| Experience | Average Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (< 1 year) | $25,000 | $12.02 |
| 1-3 years | $28,500 | $13.70 |
| 3-5 years | $31,000 | $14.90 |
| 5-10 years | $34,000 | $16.35 |
| 10+ years | $37,000 | $17.79 |
| Lead/Senior HHA | $38,000 | $18.27 |
Home Health Aide Certifications
| Certification | Salary Premium |
|---|---|
| HHA state certification | Required |
| CNA certification | +$2,000-$4,000 |
| CPR/First Aid | Often required |
| Dementia care specialty | +$1,000-$2,000 |
| Wound care | +$1,500 |
| Hospice certification | +$1,500-$2,500 |
How to Become a Home Health Aide
| Step | Time Required | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| High school diploma/GED | Required | Free |
| HHA training program | 75+ hours | $200-$1,000 |
| On-the-job training | 1-2 weeks | Paid |
| State competency test | 1 day | $50-$100 |
| Total | 2-6 weeks | $250-$1,100 |
Home Health Aide vs CNA
| Factor | Home Health Aide | CNA |
|---|---|---|
| Average salary (BLS, May 2025) | $36,120 | $42,700 |
| Training time | 2-6 weeks | 4-12 weeks |
| Training cost | $250-$1,100 | $700-$2,200 |
| Work setting | Clients’ homes | Facilities |
| Supervision | Less direct | More structured |
| Travel | Required | Minimal |
Home Health Aide Career Advancement
| Next Step | Additional Training | Salary Increase |
|---|---|---|
| CNA | 4-8 weeks | +$5,000 |
| LPN/LVN | 1 year | +$18,000 |
| Registered Nurse | 2-4 years | +$45,000 |
| Patient Care Coordinator | Experience | +$15,000 |
| Care management | 6 months | +$10,000 |
Home Health Aide Salary After Taxes
| Gross Salary | Federal Income Tax | Social Security + Medicare | Take-Home Before State Tax | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $25,000 | $890 | $1,912 | $22,198 | $1,850 |
| $36,120 | $2,154 | $2,763 | $31,202 | $2,600 |
| $35,000 | $2,020 | $2,678 | $30,302 | $2,525 |
| $40,000 | $2,620 | $3,060 | $34,320 | $2,860 |
2026 federal income tax for a single filer taking the standard deduction ($16,100), plus Social Security and Medicare. Not included: state and local income tax, retirement contributions and other pre-tax deductions. For your own situation, use the take-home pay calculator.
Use our income after taxes calculator for your exact take-home pay.
Home Health Aide Job Outlook
| Factor | Impact on HHAs |
|---|---|
| Severe shortage | High demand, easy to find work, but doesn’t translate to high pay yet |
| Aging population | 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 daily = exponential need |
| Preference for home care | People prefer aging at home vs. facilities |
| Medicaid expansion | More coverage = more funded HHA hours in some states |
| Wage pressure | Shortage slowly pushing wages up, especially in high-COL areas |
| Unionization | Some regions seeing union organizing for better conditions |
Job growth statistics:
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Projected growth (2025-2035) | 18% |
| Annual job openings | 684,000+ |
| Employment | 3.6 million |
| Turnover rate | Very high (~65%/year at many agencies) |
Is Being a Home Health Aide a Good Career?
HHA work is essential but undervalued. Here’s the honest breakdown:
The Real Advantages
| Advantage | Reality |
|---|---|
| Fast entry to healthcare | 2-6 weeks training, start working immediately |
| Always in demand | Severe shortage means easy job placement |
| Meaningful work | Direct impact on clients’ quality of life |
| Autonomy | Work independently in clients’ homes |
| Flexible schedules | Many part-time options, choose your hours |
| Clear advancement path | CNA → LPN → RN pathway is established |
| Low barrier to entry | No degree required, accessible for career changers |
The Real Disadvantages
| Disadvantage | Reality |
|---|---|
| Very low pay | $15/hour average doesn’t support most living situations |
| Limited benefits | Part-time workers often get no health insurance, PTO |
| Physical demands | Lifting, repositioning, standing for hours |
| Emotional toll | Death, decline, difficult family dynamics |
| Unpaid travel | Often not compensated for driving between clients |
| Irregular hours | Schedules change; clients pass away or go to facilities |
| Lack of respect | Work is undervalued by society despite importance |
Who Should Become a Home Health Aide
| You Should Consider HHA Work If… | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| You genuinely enjoy caregiving | The work itself must be rewarding since pay isn’t |
| You want fast healthcare entry | 2-6 weeks to start earning vs. longer programs |
| You prefer autonomy over supervision | You’ll work alone in clients’ homes |
| You’re pursuing CNA/nursing eventually | HHA experience helps applications and gives exposure |
| You need flexible scheduling | Part-time and variable hour options available |
| You can physically handle the demands | Lifting, transferring, standing are required |
Who Should NOT Become a Home Health Aide
| Don’t Pursue HHA Work If… | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| You need $40,000+/year immediately | HHA pay doesn’t support that without multiple jobs |
| You need full benefits (health insurance) | Many positions are part-time without benefits |
| You have physical limitations | Lifting and transfers are unavoidable |
| You struggle with death and decline | End-of-life care is common |
| You want career advancement without more education | HHA is entry-level; advancement requires training |
| You expect to stay in this role long-term | Pay stagnates; most advance to CNA/nursing |
Building Wealth as a Home Health Aide
Building wealth on HHA wages is challenging but not impossible if you’re strategic:
Income reality:
| Scenario | Annual Income | Livability |
|---|---|---|
| Single HHA, part-time (25 hrs/wk) | $19,600 | Very difficult |
| Single HHA, full-time (40 hrs/wk) | $31,370 | Tight, possible in low-COL areas |
| HHA + second job | $40,000-$50,000 | Survivable |
| Live-in caregiver (with room/board) | $40,000+ effective | Good savings potential |
| Private duty HHA | $35,000-$45,000 | Better than agency |
Wealth-building strategy for HHAs:
| Stage | Timeline | Key Moves |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (0-1 year) | Get hired, build experience | Live cheap, build emergency fund |
| Growth (1-2 years) | Get CNA certification | +$5,000/year salary boost |
| Advancement (2-4 years) | LPN/LVN program | +$18,000/year, career pathway |
| Acceleration (4-6 years) | RN bridge program | +$45,000/year, professional income |
10-year pathway comparison:
| Path | Year 10 Income | 10-Year Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Stay as HHA | $37,000 | $340,000 |
| HHA → CNA at year 2 | $41,000 | $380,000 |
| HHA → CNA → LPN at year 4 | $55,000 | $440,000 |
| HHA → CNA → RN at year 6 | $75,000 | $520,000 |
The wealth-building reality:
- HHA wages alone rarely support wealth building — advancement is essential
- Live-in positions (room + board included) maximize savings potential
- Private duty pays better than agency work if you can find clients
- CNA certification is the obvious first step (4-8 weeks, $700-$2,200)
- Many HHAs work while pursuing LPN or RN education
Bottom Line
Home health aides earn $36,120 on average ($15.08/hour), with top earners in high-cost states reaching $38,000-$40,000.
Here’s what actually matters:
-
Pay does not reflect the importance of the work. HHAs provide essential care to elderly and disabled individuals, but compensation is poverty-level in many states. This is a systemic issue.
-
Use HHA as a stepping stone, not a destination. The clearest path to better income: HHA → CNA (+$5k/year) → LPN (+$18k/year) → RN (+$45k/year). Plan your advancement from day one.
-
Live-in positions offer the best savings potential. Room and board included can raise effective compensation considerably. If you’re single and mobile, this maximizes wealth building.
-
Private duty pays better than agency work. Direct hire by families often pays $35,000-$45,000 vs. $31,000 at agencies. Harder to find but worth pursuing.
-
The job shortage is real but hasn’t fixed wages yet. 18% growth projected, but pay remains low. Wages are slowly rising in some markets.
-
Physical and emotional demands are significant. Lifting patients, witnessing decline, death, and difficult family dynamics take a toll. Self-care matters.
-
This career makes sense for people who genuinely love caregiving AND plan to advance. If you find meaning in the work and use it as a healthcare entry point, it’s valuable. If you’re hoping for long-term income at HHA level, you’ll struggle financially.
Related Salary Guides
See every profession in our salary by profession guides.
Sources
- Social Security Administration. “Benefits and Eligibility Information.” ssa.gov/benefits
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “Medicare Program Information.” medicare.gov
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