What Does a Home Health Aide Do?
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A Home Health Aide (HHA) is a trained caregiver who supports people with daily living tasks and basic health needs in their own homes. The role is not only about medical assistance. It is about creating a warm, respectful environment for someone who needs help to stay at home safely. Below are the duties and responsibilities of a home health aide, along with pay, job outlook, and the importance of HHAs in the community.
Home Health Aide Salary
How much do home health aides make? Pay for this occupation is reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics under the combined classification 31-1120, home health and personal care aides. In May 2025, the median annual wage for home health and personal care aides was $35,800, or $17.21 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,040 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $45,040 a year.
Location changes the number noticeably. The highest paying states for home health aides all report a median above $41,000, according to the May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics profile for the occupation.
State | Median Annual Wage (May 2025) |
|---|---|
Washington | $47,730 |
Oregon | $44,410 |
Rhode Island | $43,680 |
District of Columbia | $42,700 |
Vermont | $41,600 |
Setting matters as well. Aides employed in residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities and in assisted living communities earned slightly more in May 2025 than those working for home healthcare services or individual and family services agencies. Hours also vary by client and agency, so the annual figure depends on the schedule as much as the hourly rate.
What Is the Job Outlook for HHAs?
Based on 2020 Census data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of individuals aged 65 and over in the US grew nearly five times faster than the total population between 1920 and 2020. As of the 2020 Census, about one in six people in the US were 65 or older.
The increasing population of older individuals will lead to significant demand for home health and personal care aides. According to the recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report, this profession will grow approximately 18 percent from 2025 to 2035.
Why Are HHAs Important?
The role of an HHA matters in the healthcare field because its focus lies in providing hands-on assistance within the clients' homes. Their ability to adapt to changes and accommodate clients' needs by adjusting their schedules sets them apart. Putting the client's well-being above all else is their constant priority.
Working in a client's home presents unique challenges, as close interaction with the client's family can be demanding, requiring exceptional patience and strong interpersonal skills.
This job significantly enhances the quality of life for individuals needing health and daily living support, making it a core part of the healthcare system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest pay for a home health aide?
The highest pay for a home health aide varies depending on location and experience, but according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 10% of home health and personal care aides earned more than $45,040 per year, or $21.65 per hour, as of May 2025.
What state pays home health aides the most?
The state that pays home health aides the most is Washington, with a median annual wage of $47,730 in May 2025. Other high-paying states include Oregon, Rhode Island, and Vermont, along with the District of Columbia.
How many home health aides are there in the US?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted about 4.7 million home health and personal care aides in 2025. See the job outlook section above for the growth projection.
Where an HHA Career Can Lead
Working as an HHA is a stepping stone into the healthcare field for someone with no prior experience. Additional certifications and continuing education give you a wider set of options as a healthcare professional, and the HHA vs CNA comparison is a natural next question when choosing that credential.
A career as an HHA goes beyond improving the quality of your clients' lives through your service. The bonds formed with each client and their families leave lasting impressions. Serving as their primary support system, you will assist in many parts of their lives and shape their overall well-being.
Dreambound lists home health aide classes across the United States, so the practical next step is comparing programs in your state.
