Home health aides assist the elderly and infirm with daily chores, such as taking medication or changing bandages. As of March 2014, NJ’s median hourly wage was $15.20 per hour. Home health aides earned an average salary of $23,430 annually, according to a 2013 BLS survey.
home health aide salary in NJ
The average hourly wage for a home health aide in NJ was $27.76 as of May 2017, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is higher than the national average of $21.44 for home health aides and the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA average of $26.01 per hour
Overview of Home Health Aide Jobs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), home health aides held approximately 797,670 jobs in 2018. The majority of these individuals were employed by various agencies or institutions, working under the direct supervision of nurses, physical therapists or other medical personnel. Their job responsibilities might include tasks like administering medication and helping patients with routine daily tasks.
The following organizations employed the majority of home health aides in 2019:
- Individual and family services
- Home healthcare services
- Residential care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
Important Facts About This Occupation
| Median Pay (2019) | $25,280 |
| Job Outlook (2019-2029) | 34% growth |
| Entry-Level Education | Most home health aides have a minimum of a high school diploma. Aides typically receive training after they are hired, and some must be certified to administer in-home care. |
| Similar Occupations | Childcare Workers, Medical Assistants, Nursing Assistants, Vocational Nurses, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapist Aides, Registered Nurses |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Duties of a Home Health Aide
Home health aides are qualified to work with disabled, elderly and recuperative patients who are living either at home or in long-term care facilities like nursing homes, reports the BLS. Home health aides provide assistance to individuals living alone and support to the families of those living within a household. They help patients complete simple daily tasks, such as bathing, grooming and getting in and out of bed. In addition to assisting with personal care routines, home health aides might perform other duties, including the following:
- Administering medication
- Helping with artificial limbs
- Giving massages
- Assisting with physical therapy exercises
Home health aides often also play the vital roles of companion and friend, providing emotional support to patients and a patient’s family. For this reason, home health aides should be sympathetic and caring individuals. They should also be strong communicators, good listeners and work well under direct supervision.
A home health aide salary in NJ can be lucrative. In fact, many home healthcare workers earn more than the state average income for a typical NJ resident – just more proof that many home health aides enjoy a comfortable and profitable career with plenty of opportunity for advancement.
