As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Residential Care Aide in the United States is $66,920 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Residential Care Aide's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Residential Care Aide's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Residential Care Aides. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 6.73% |
| Medication Management | 2.74% |
| Microsoft Office | 1.96% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership Development
|
$76,289 |
14%
|
|
Infection Control
|
$74,282 |
11%
|
|
Resident Service
|
$73,612 |
10%
|
|
Commitment
|
$72,274 |
8%
|
|
Quality Improvement
|
$72,274 |
8%
|
|
Coaching
|
$71,605 |
7%
|
For Residential Care Aide roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Residential Care Aide positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Residential Care Aide as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $86,996 | $42.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Residential Care Aide's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Residential Care Aide can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $53,179 in 2023 to around $52,758 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Residential Care Aide salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $53,179 |
| 2024 | $52,998 |
| 2025 | $52,758 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Residential Care Aide roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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