📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Personal Care Aide Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$42,856
per year
Median
$40,797
per year
Hourly
$20.6
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$32,466
25th Percentile — Junior$38,280
50th Percentile — Median$40,797
75th Percentile — Senior$51,360
90th Percentile — Top Earners$55,274
💡 Top-earning Personal Care Aides in California make up to $55,274 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$32.0k
2021
$33.9k
2022
$36.0k
2023
$38.1k
2024
$40.4k
2025
$42.9k
2026
📈 Personal Care Aide salaries in California have followed the national trend with 6.0% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Personal Care Aide Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $66,427 +55.0% Very High
San Diego $63,427 +48.0% Very High
San Jose $73,712 +72.0% Very High
San Francisco $79,284 +85.0% Very High
Fresno $46,284 +8.0% Very High
Sacramento $52,284 +22.0% Very High
Long Beach $62,141 +45.0% Very High
Bakersfield $46,284 +8.0% Very High
Anaheim $60,856 +42.0% Very High
Santa Ana $59,998 +40.0% Very High
Riverside $54,856 +28.0% Very High
Stockton $50,570 +18.0% Very High
Irvine $66,427 +55.0% Very High
San Bernardino $50,570 +18.0% Very High
Modesto $47,999 +12.0% Very High
Fontana $52,284 +22.0% Very High
Moreno Valley $49,284 +15.0% Very High
Glendale $63,427 +48.0% Very High
Fremont $68,570 +60.0% Very High
🔍
Personal Care Aide Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Personal Care Aides. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $42,856 per year, California's Personal Care Aide salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $32,466–$38,280, while experienced Personal Care Aides can command $51,360–$55,274.

Looking ahead, the Personal Care Aide profession in California is projected to grow at 6.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Personal Care Aide salary in California is $42,856 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $30,180.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Personal Care Aides the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Personal Care Aide employment.
  • At $42,856/year, California Personal Care Aide salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $30,180/year.