How Much Do Caregivers Make? 2025 Salary Guide by Role & State

In 2025, caregivers in the U.S. will make between $15 and $22 an hour, depending on where they work and how much experience they have. On average, that's about $33,000 to $45,000 a year. Live-in caregivers or those with unique skills, like dementia care, can make more money. States in the Midwest and South may pay less, but states like California and New York frequently pay more. Private clients or agencies also affect rates. So, the income can be very different if you want to become a caregiver or hire one. However, this range gives you a good indication of what to expect in most jobs.

Average Caregiver Pay in 2025

In 2025, the typical wage for a caregiver in the U.S. will still depend on where they live, their experience, and what kind of work they do. The average salary in the country is between $10 and $25 an hour. At the very least, caregivers in rural or low-income areas might start out making $10 to $14 an hour, primarily if they work for agencies that pay established rates. At the high end of the scale, private caregivers or those who work in big cities like New York or San Francisco can get $20 to $25 an hour. Rising living costs and the necessity for professional care are often to blame.

Most caregivers make between $25,000 and $40,000 a year. Full-time caregivers, especially those who do specialized duties like helping people with mobility issues, caring for people with dementia, or living with them, usually make the most money. Part-time workers or entry-level aides may make closer to $25,000.

Also, the type of work affects how much money you make. Individual caregivers may be able to negotiate a higher wage but no benefits, whereas agency caregivers may have more regular schedules but lower hourly rates. Regional differences are also relevant; for example, the Northeast and West pay more than the Midwest and South. So, even if the national numbers are a good place to start, the actual pay varies based on many personal and location-specific factors.

Factors That Affect Caregiver Pay

A few significant things will affect how much caregivers get paid in 2025. Location is one of the most important things. New York or California caregivers make more money than Mississippi or Arkansas caregivers. Cities are also significant because incomes are usually higher there to cover the cost of living. You can also make more money if you have certifications and experience.

A CNA working or training for a long time will make more money than a new caregiver. Your pay also depends on whether you work as a live-in caregiver or on an hourly basis. Live-in jobs sometimes have set daily or weekly rates, even if they pay less per hour.

Medical caregivers, who aid with injections, mobility, or memory care, frequently make more money than non-medical companions. The type of employer is also necessary, though. Medicaid programs may limit pay, and agencies have predetermined rates. On the other hand, private families often provide more flexible plans and pay more. These things add up to make up a caregiver's salary.

Caregiver Salary by Role

How Much Do Family Caregivers Make?

The state's Medicaid program and rules greatly affect family caregiver pay. In some places, consumer-directed services might pay a loved one for taking care of them. Some states pay more through programs like California's IHSS or New York's CDPAP, but most pay between $10 and $17 an hour.

It is not often a full-time wage. Most family caregivers get paid by the hour, and the number of hours they work each week is usually limited by the needs of the person they care for.

For deeper info, see our complete guide: How Much Do Family Members Get Paid for Caregiving?

Which States Pay Caregivers the Most?

Can You Earn More with Certifications?

Yes, certified caregivers often earn more than those who aren't. Home health aides (HHAs) and certified nursing assistants (CNAs) typically make $2 to $5 more an hour than caregivers who aren't certified. The higher pay is fair because these jobs come with more responsibility, such as handling medical tasks or helping customers get around. Even basic certificates, like CPR and First Aid, can help you get more credible and better-paying jobs. Families with memory problems favor caregivers with particular training, such as those assisting Alzheimer's or dementia patients. These caregivers often charge more per hour or work more hours.

Some states or companies also choose caretakers who have had professional training. Many home care agencies, online resources, and community institutions nearby provide short certification classes. Depending on the subject, they can last anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. If you are a family caregiver, Medicaid may pay for some of your training costs. Investing in certificates improves skills, shows commitment, builds trust, and gives caregivers access to better job opportunities, especially in long-term care or medical settings where advanced knowledge is necessary for high-quality care.

FAQs

How much do caregivers make per hour?

In 2025, caregivers typically make between $13 and $20 per hour. Experience, job type, and geography affect pay; those requiring medical care or certifications and those in states like California have higher rates.

Do family caregivers get paid the same as professionals?

No, family caregivers typically make less money than those who work as professionals. Medicaid programs with lower rates and hourly caps frequently provide compensation. Because of their credentials, agency work, or particular knowledge of medical or memory care, professional caregivers may make more money.

What caregiver jobs pay the most?

CNAs, live-in caregivers, and people who care for people with dementia or medical needs usually make the most money. Private duty caregivers who work for wealthy families or in costly cities can get more money per hour, especially if they have the training or experience to provide specialized care.

How much do live-in caregivers make?

As of 2025, average live-in caregivers make between $700 and $1,500 a week. Pay depends on things like the state, the job duties, and whether or not accommodation and meals are included. Private arrangements and specialized care needs often cost more than agency-based jobs.

Can I make a full-time income as a caregiver?

You can make a living as a full-time caretaker, especially in places with higher pay or by working for private clients. Full-time jobs pay between $30,000 and $45,000 annually, but trained or specialized caregivers can make more.

Conclusion

Many families and healthcare workers rely on in-home care and caregivers' pay is slowly increasing. Whether you are a trained professional or a family caregiver, knowing how much money you can make will help you make better choices about spending your time and training. There are more jobs for caregivers than ever before, so even entry-level jobs can lead to steady, flexible work. If you want to help people and generate money, platforms like GoInstaCare make it easy to find the right clientele. You can even sign up to be a caregiver immediately and start building a rewarding, well-paying career in caregiving.