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Last reviewed 2026-09-301 cited source on this pageHome Care Math editorial deskHow we source figures
Home care cost per hour, by state
Home care is sold by the hour, so the hourly rate is the number to compare. Here is what moves it, and the verified state medians we publish.
What moves the rate
- State and metro — the single biggest factor. Our verified medians: Texas $30/hour, New York $35/hour, against a national median of $35
- Agency or direct hire — an agency rate covers supervision, insurance, cover for absences and payroll. Hiring directly can be cheaper and makes you the employer
- Level of need — personal care and transfers cost more than companionship
- Minimum visits — many agencies bill a minimum number of hours per visit, so short visits cost more per hour in practice
Why the agency rate is not the caregiver’s wage
The gap covers the agency’s payroll taxes, insurance, supervision, training, scheduling and margin. That does not make the rate unfair — it does mean comparing an agency rate to a directly hired caregiver’s wage is comparing two different products.
How to use the number
Multiply the rate by your hours, then look at both. Ten hours a week at $35 is about $1,516 a month; forty hours at the same rate is about $6,062. The rate is what you negotiate; the hours are what you plan. Use the cost calculator.
Sources
Related
- Cost calculator
- Medicaid eligibility screener
- What helps pay for care
- How many hours do you need
- Medicaid HCBS waivers
We are an independent informational and tools site. We are not a government agency, not a healthcare provider, and not a licensed referral agency under California CCR Title 22 or Florida Stat. 429.195. We do not place people into facilities and we do not charge families. Nothing here is legal, medical or financial advice — always confirm current rules with the state agency or a licensed professional.