As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Residential Care Worker in the United States is $37,335 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Residential Care Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Residential Care Worker'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Residential Care Worker'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 Residential Care Worker | $36,353 |
| Intermediate Level Residential Care Worker | $37,046 |
| Senior Level Residential Care Worker | $38,890 |
| Specialist Level Residential Care Worker | $40,081 |
| Expert Level Residential Care Worker | $40,230 |
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 Residential Care Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 6.44% |
| Meal Preparation | 7.3% |
| Pediatric | 2.15% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$45,922 |
23%
|
|
Quality Assurance
|
$39,948 |
7%
|
|
Conflict Resolution
|
$39,948 |
7%
|
|
Pediatric
|
$39,575 |
6%
|
|
Listening
|
$39,575 |
6%
|
|
Integrity
|
$39,202 |
5%
|
Understanding how a Residential Care Worker'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 Residential Care Worker can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,005 in 2023 to around $40,611 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Residential Care Worker salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $41,005 |
| 2024 | $40,842 |
| 2025 | $40,611 |
| 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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