Home health and personal care aides in the Portland-South Portland, ME area earn a median of $17.56/hour ($36,520/year), based on the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. That is 8.9% above the national caregiver median.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023. SOC 31-1121 + 31-1122 (combined).
The $17.56/hour figure is the BLS median across all employers — that includes home care agencies, hospice services, and self-employed caregivers. Several legitimate paths can put you on the higher side of that range:
Several Maine Medicaid waivers, state programs, and VA benefits allow family caregivers to be paid an hourly wage. See exactly which programs you qualify for and how to apply step-by-step.
The average hourly wage for home health and personal care aides in Portland-South Portland is $17.89, with a median of $17.56. Annual pay averages $37,220 (mean) or $36,520 (median), per BLS OEWS May 2023 data.
Caregivers in Portland-South Portland earn 8.9% above the national median of $16.12/hour.
Yes — through Medicaid's consumer-directed services, VA programs, or private long-term care insurance. See our Maine guide for the exact application steps.
Not always for non-medical companion care, but a CNA, HHA, or PCA certificate is required by most agencies and typically increases hourly pay by 10–25%. Medicaid-funded roles often require state-approved training.
