Other Personal Care and Service Workers: Salary $36,940 (2024)
The median annual wage for Other Personal Care and Service Workers is $36,940, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That's $40,980 on average, or about $18 per hour. The typical range runs from $27,040 at the 10th percentile to $59,580 at the 90th percentile. Nationwide, 1,318,510 people hold these roles, which span personal care aides, childcare workers, and other service occupations that don't fit neatly into one category.
How much Other Personal Care and Service Workers earn
The BLS's Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) shows a median salary of $36,940 for this broad occupation group. The mean hourly wage is $18, with an annual mean of $40,980. Half of workers earn between $27,040 and $59,580 — the 25th to 75th percentile range is narrower, but pay can vary significantly by role and location.
Entry-level workers (10th percentile) earn about $27,040, while experienced workers at the 90th percentile top $59,580. Overtime or specialized skills can push pay higher, but unionization is rare in this field.
- Median: $36,940 | Mean: $40,980 | Hourly mean: $18
- 10th percentile: $27,040 | 90th percentile: $59,580
- Employment: 1,318,510 workers
Pay by state
The BLS does not release state-level data for this specific occupation due to its broad, catch-all nature. However, wages generally track cost of living: high-cost states like California, New York, and Massachusetts tend to pay above the national median, while states like Mississippi, Arkansas, and West Virginia pay below. For a personalized comparison, check your state's wage data for the detailed sub-occupation you're interested in (e.g., personal care aides), which are published separately.
How to become Other Personal Care and Service Worker
Most jobs in this category require no formal education beyond a high school diploma. On-the-job training — from a few days to a few months — is typical. For roles like personal care aides, employers may require a background check and a valid driver's license. Childcare workers often need a certification in CPR and first aid.
Some states mandate a certification for home health aides, which involves 75 hours of training and a competency exam. Advancement is limited; moving up typically means switching to a related occupation like nursing assistant or social services, which may require a certificate or associate degree.
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent
- Training: Short-term on-the-job (up to 1 month for many roles)
- Licensing: Varies by state; home health aides need certification in some states
- Entry path: Apply directly; no prior experience needed for entry-level
Job outlook
The BLS does not project growth specifically for 'Other Personal Care and Service Workers' due to its catch-all definition. However, the broad personal care category is expected to grow 12% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by an aging population increasing demand for personal care aides. Competition may vary locally.
Frequently asked questions
What jobs are included in 'Other Personal Care and Service Workers'?
This BLS category covers personal care aides, childcare workers, and other service roles not classified elsewhere — like companions, personal attendants, and some recreation aides. It excludes nursing assistants, home health aides (sometimes separate), and maids.
Can I make more than $59,580 as a personal care worker?
The 90th percentile is $59,580 nationally. To earn more, you'd typically need to move into a supervisory role, work in a high-cost state, or transition to a related occupation like a licensed practical nurse (LPN), which pays a higher median.
Do personal care workers get benefits?
Many part-time and home-based workers lack employer-provided health insurance or paid leave. Full-time employees at agencies may receive benefits, but they're not guaranteed. The Affordable Care Act mandates coverage from large employers, but small agencies may not offer it.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Other Personal Care and Service Workers data.