Home Health Aide

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks home health and personal care aides under SOC code 31-1120. As of May 2025 OEWS data, the median annual wage is $35,800 ($17.21/hr), with 4,305,810 workers employed nationwide. BLS projects employment to grow 17.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 765,800 openings expected each year. Key Takeaways Median pay: $35,800 per year ($17.21/hr)Top 10% earn: more than $45,040 per year ($21.65/hr)Entry-level (bottom 10%): under $27,040 per year ($13.00/hr)Projected growth: 17.0% from 2024 to 2034Annual job openings: ~765,800 per year through 2034Workers employed nationwide: 4,305,810Highest-paying state: Washington (median $47,730)State with most workers: California (970,150 employed) Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034. Last reviewed June 8, 2026. Quick answer: Training as a home health aide usually takes about 3 to 6 months. You complete a state-approved training program (often $500 to $2,500, with exam fees of about $50 to $200), pass a competency evaluation, and get listed on your state’s home health aide registry. No college degree is required, and many employers offer paid on-the-job training. Requirements and certification rules vary by state, so check your state’s registry before you enroll. Home health aides help people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairments handle daily living tasks so they can stay safely in their own homes. They provide personal care, basic health-related support, and companionship, often serving as the closest daily link between clients and their healthcare team. If you are caring, patient, and reliable, this is a fast entry point into a growing healthcare field. How to Become a Home Health Aide Most people enter this field in about three to six months. There is no single national license. Instead, you build the career through short training, a hands-on skills check, and getting listed on your state registry. Earn a high school diploma or GED A high school diploma or GED is the baseline for most home health aide programs, though some programs and employers will admit candidates without one. Before you enroll, it helps to build the everyday skills the job depends on: clear communication, basic reading and math for following care plans and recording vital signs, and comfort being around people who are ill or limited in their mobility. Classes in health, biology, or family and consumer science are useful preparation, and any volunteer or caregiving experience, such as helping an older relative or working in a care setting, gives you a real feel for the work. If you are changing careers, the personal qualities that matter most here, patience, dependability, and a calm manner under stress, often come from outside the classroom. You can move straight to a training program once you meet the basic admission requirements. Complete a state-approved training program This is the core step. Look for a certificate program that your state approves, since aides who work for agencies funded by Medicare or Medicaid generally must train through an approved course. Programs usually run a few months and combine classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice. Coursework typically covers personal care such as bathing, dressing, and grooming, safe transfer and mobility techniques, infection control, nutrition and meal preparation, recognizing and reporting changes in a client’s condition, basic first aid and safety, and patient rights and confidentiality. The clinical portion lets you practice these skills on real people under the eye of an instructor or nurse. Many programs are offered through community colleges, vocational schools, and home healthcare agencies, and some agencies will cover the cost if you agree to work for them after you finish. Pass a competency evaluation or exam After you complete training, most states require a competency evaluation before you can work on your own. This evaluation usually has two parts: a written or oral test of what you learned in class, and a hands-on skills demonstration where you perform tasks such as taking vital signs, transferring a client safely, or assisting with personal care while an evaluator watches. The point is to confirm you can do the work safely and correctly, not just describe it. Many training programs build this evaluation into the course or help you schedule it afterward. Fees are typically modest, often about $50 to $200. If you do not pass on the first try, states generally let you retest after additional practice, so treat the clinical part of your training as direct preparation for this step. Get listed on your state registry Once you pass the competency evaluation, your state adds you to its home health aide registry. This registry is the official record that you completed approved training and met your state’s standards, and certified home healthcare agencies check it before they hire. Getting listed is usually handled through your training program or the state agency that oversees home care, and there may be a small processing fee. Keep your contact and certification details current, because aides are generally required to renew or maintain their status and complete a set number of continuing-education or in-service hours to stay active. Because the specifics, including renewal timelines and required hours, vary from state to state, confirm the rules with your state’s registry so your certification does not lapse. Start working and continue your education With your registry listing in hand, you can apply to home healthcare agencies, hospice and palliative care providers, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation centers. Many new aides start under the supervision of a nurse or experienced caregiver, which is a chance to build confidence with real clients. As you gain experience, continuing education keeps your certification active and opens the door to more responsibility and pay. Plenty of aides use the job as a launch point: with additional training you can work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), a medical assistant, a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or eventually a Registered Nurse (RN). Each step up builds on the patient-care skills you develop as an aide. Compare training programs near you Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals. See programs near you ↑ What Home Health Aides Do Home health aides provide personal care and basic health-related services in clients’ homes or residential facilities. They help people manage everyday tasks they can no longer do alone, and they keep healthcare providers informed about how a client is doing. Typical work includes helping clients bathe, dress, and groom, checking vital signs such as pulse and temperature, preparing meals, and handling light housekeeping. Aides also watch for changes in a client’s condition and report them to nurses or family members, and they provide steady companionship and emotional support. Typical Responsibilities Assist with bathing, dressing, and groomingCheck vital signs such as pulse and temperatureHelp with light housekeeping and meal preparationMonitor client condition and report changes to healthcare staffProvide emotional support and companionship Home health aides are often the closest daily link between patients and their healthcare providers, which makes their observations an important part of comfort and recovery. Key Skills and Traits for Success Compassion and patienceAttention to detailPhysical stamina for lifting and mobility supportStrong communication skillsReliability and professionalismBasic health and safety knowledge Work Settings for Home Health Aides Home Health Aides Work In Private homesHospice or palliative care settingsAssisted living facilitiesHome healthcare agenciesRehabilitation centers Education and Certification Paths Pathway Typical Duration Outcome HHA Certificate Program 3 to 6 months State-approved training and registry listing CNA to HHA Bridge 1 to 2 months Expanded patient care roles Continuing Education Ongoing Recertification and skills updates How Long It Takes And What It Costs Training time: about 3 to 6 months for most certificate programsProgram cost: often varies by school, format and location depending on the school and state requirementsCertification or competency exam fees: typically $50 to $200 Many programs run through community colleges or home healthcare agencies, and some are free when you sign an employment agreement with the agency that trains you. Career Growth and Advancement With experience, home health aides can advance into roles such as: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Medical AssistantLicensed Practical Nurse (LPN)Registered Nurse (RN) Pros and Cons Pros High job demand and growthMeaningful, people-focused workFlexible scheduling optionsShort training period Cons Physically demanding workEmotionally challenging situationsLower starting wages compared to other healthcare roles Start Your Home Health Aide Career Today If you are passionate about helping others live safely and comfortably, training as a home health aide is a people-focused way to support clients at home and a solid first step toward other healthcare careers. Find Home Health Aide Training Near You Quick Facts: Home Health Aide Salary, Education, and Outlook Median Pay $35,800 $17.21/hr Top 10%: $45,040 Job Outlook (2024-2034) 17.0% 765,800 openings/yr Employment (2025) 4,305,810 Wage Percentiles 25th $31,920 75th $39,470 Typical Education High school diploma or equivalent On-the-Job Training Short-term on-the-job training Highest Paying States WashingtonOregonRhode Island Top Industries Cross-industry Certification Required in most states 2025 data | SOC 31-1120 | Source: BLS OEWS Wage and Employment Charts Ready to start training? See accredited programs, request info, and compare start dates from schools that fit your goals. Get matched with programs ↑ Frequently Asked Questions How long does home health aide training take? Many home health aide certificate programs take about 3 to 6 months, combining classroom instruction with supervised clinical practice. A high school diploma or GED is generally required, though some programs admit students without one. Do you need a college degree to work as a home health aide? No. A college degree is not required to work as a home health aide. Most people enter the field through a short state-approved training program. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite, and some employers provide paid on-the-job training. How much does home health aide training cost? Program costs are often about varies by school, format and location depending on the school and state requirements, and certification or competency exam fees are typically $50 to $200. Some community colleges and home healthcare agencies offer training for free in exchange for an employment agreement. Is certification or a license required to be a home health aide? Requirements vary by state and employer. Aides who work for agencies that receive Medicare or Medicaid funding generally must complete a state-approved training program, pass a competency evaluation, and be listed on the state home health aide registry. Check your state's specific rules before enrolling. Is it hard to train as a home health aide? Entry is relatively accessible because training is short and no degree is required. The work itself is physically and emotionally demanding, since aides help clients with mobility, personal care, and difficult health situations. Compassion, patience, and reliability matter as much as the clinical skills. Can you train as a home health aide online? Some classroom instruction may be available online, but the clinical and hands-on portions of home health aide training must be completed in person and supervised. Confirm that any program you choose is approved by your state before enrolling. What is the difference between a home health aide and a CNA? Both provide hands-on personal care, but a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) usually completes more clinical training and can perform additional medical tasks, often in nursing homes or hospitals. Home health aides focus on personal care and support in clients' homes. Many aides later train as CNAs to expand their responsibilities and pay. How Home Health Aide Pay Compares to Similar Trades Side-by-side comparison of Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections). Career Median Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) $42,260 +2.3% 204,100 Patient Care Technician $42,260 +2.3% 204,100 Medical Assistant $45,690 +12.5% 112,300 Nursing LPN/LVN $64,400 +2.6% 54,400 Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections. Related Careers Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)Patient Care TechnicianMedical AssistantNursing LPN/LVNPhlebotomy Technician Sources U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026) Home Health Aide Salary by State BLS OEWS, May 2025 Filter states State Median annual Top 10% annual Washington $47,730 $54,980 Oregon $44,410 $53,120 North Dakota $39,440 $49,190 Kentucky $36,440 $49,080 New Jersey $37,090 $48,180 Vermont $41,600 $48,040 New Hampshire $38,760 $47,770 South Dakota $37,740 $47,320 Wyoming $33,190 $47,000 Maryland $38,040 $46,880 Maine $38,580 $46,860 Alaska $39,740 $46,740 Massachusetts $40,910 $46,700 Rhode Island $43,680 $46,700 New York $39,620 $46,690 Minnesota $38,370 $46,650 Colorado $38,540 $46,630 District of Columbia $42,700 $45,840 Hawaii $38,110 $45,720 Iowa $36,080 $45,490 Utah $35,880 $45,250 Connecticut $38,990 $45,150 Montana $36,630 $44,740 Nebraska $36,150 $43,680 Missouri $33,080 $43,410 Wisconsin $36,340 $42,820 Michigan $35,000 $42,790 Illinois $38,060 $42,500 Idaho $34,790 $41,600 Arizona $36,420 $40,660 Virginia $30,300 $40,650 Delaware $34,320 $40,430 Georgia $29,270 $39,710 Ohio $34,460 $39,530 Indiana $35,060 $39,480 California $34,320 $39,260 North Carolina $31,240 $38,680 Kansas $31,260 $38,350 Florida $33,800 $38,310 Tennessee $32,130 $38,150 Pennsylvania $29,420 $37,960 Nevada $33,670 $36,600 New Mexico $28,520 $36,440 Alabama $27,840 $35,900 South Carolina $30,110 $35,590 Oklahoma $27,710 $35,150 West Virginia $28,010 $32,590 Louisiana $22,520 $32,130 Arkansas $27,660 $31,680 Texas $24,230 $31,560 Mississippi $23,860 $29,620 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.