Caregiver Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA (2023)

Home health and personal care aides in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn a median of $21.64/hour ($45,010/year), based on the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. That is 34.2% above the national caregiver median.

Median hourly pay
$21.64
$45,010/year
Average hourly pay
$20.96
$43,600/year
Caregivers employed
40,980
in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area
vs national median
+34.2%
Nat'l median: $16.12/hr

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2023. SOC 31-1121 + 31-1122 (combined).

How to earn more as a Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue caregiver

The $21.64/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:

Want to be paid to care for a family member in Washington State?

Several Washington State 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.

See the Washington State caregiver pay guide →

Caregiver salary FAQs — Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue

What is the average caregiver salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?

The average hourly wage for home health and personal care aides in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $20.96, with a median of $21.64. Annual pay averages $43,600 (mean) or $45,010 (median), per BLS OEWS May 2023 data.

How does Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue caregiver pay compare to the national average?

Caregivers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn 34.2% above the national median of $16.12/hour.

Can I be paid to care for my parent in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?

Yes — through Medicaid's consumer-directed services, VA programs, or private long-term care insurance. See our Washington State guide for the exact application steps.

Do I need a certification to work as a caregiver in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?

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.

Caregiver salaries in nearby metros

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro
$19.22/hr median
Spokane-Spokane Valley
$18.48/hr median