As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a First Caregiver in the United States is $38,715 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a First Caregiver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A First Caregiver'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a First Caregiver's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level First Caregiver | $37,446 |
| Intermediate Level First Caregiver | $37,536 |
| Senior Level First Caregiver | $38,715 |
| Specialist Level First Caregiver | $40,263 |
| Expert Level First Caregiver | $40,374 |
What Am I Worth?
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 First Caregivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.96% |
| CPR | 5.76% |
| First Aid | 3.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$44,909 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$44,135 |
14%
|
|
Accountability
|
$43,748 |
13%
|
|
Care Management
|
$43,748 |
13%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$42,199 |
9%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$41,812 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many First Caregivers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a First Caregiver with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $33,262 and $35,106).
First Caregiver Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.0% |
| High School | 48.0% |
| Associates | 20.0% |
| Bachelors | 20.0% |
| Masters | 8.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a First Caregiver'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a First Caregiver can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $31,654 in 2023 to around $31,269 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of First Caregiver salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $31,654 |
| 2024 | $31,505 |
| 2025 | $31,269 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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