Personal Care Aides
Personal care aides provide direct assistance to individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, helping with essential daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. They work in clients' homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and other residential settings, offering both personal care and light household support.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against personal care aides and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves scheduled visits to client homes or facilities where aides assist with morning routines such as bathing and dressing, prepare meals, help with mobility and ambulation, and handle light housekeeping tasks. Aides document care provided, communicate with supervisors or family members about client needs, and may assist with medication reminders or medical appointments. The work is physical and requires flexibility as client needs vary daily.
Who this work suits
Holland code SCR. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you're naturally inclined toward helping others and find satisfaction in hands-on support. You're organized enough to manage routines and paperwork efficiently, comfortable with clear procedures and guidelines, and genuinely motivated by direct interpersonal contact with the people you serve.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $44,620 | $47,730 | $48,630 | 103,260 |
| Oregon | $39,400 | $44,410 | $48,360 | 42,330 |
| Rhode Island | $38,470 | $43,680 | $45,690 | 7,490 |
| District of Columbia | $40,050 | $42,700 | $43,270 | 12,810 |
| Vermont | $36,120 | $41,600 | $46,410 | 7,700 |
| Massachusetts | $39,650 | $40,910 | $43,740 | 117,940 |
| Alaska | $36,640 | $39,740 | $44,340 | 6,530 |
| New York | $38,660 | $39,620 | $43,780 | 663,140 |
| North Dakota | $37,110 | $39,440 | $45,800 | 7,730 |
| Connecticut | $35,510 | $38,990 | $44,240 | 49,510 |
| New Hampshire | $36,190 | $38,760 | $45,270 | 9,440 |
| Maine | $36,580 | $38,580 | $43,660 | 18,630 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Nationally Certified Patient Care Technician (NCPCT) — National Center for Competency Testing
- Patient Care Technician Online National Certification (CPCT) — American Allied Health
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 18 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against personal care aides and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 31-1122.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.