How Much Does a Home Health Aide Make in New Jersey in 2026?

A typical Home Health Aide in New Jersey earns about $17.83 per hour ($37,090 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). Broken down across regular schedules, this annual sum translates to roughly $3,091 per month, calculated from the annual figure. On a weekly basis, typical compensation reaches $713, also calculated from the annual figure. These baseline earnings reflect steady full-time schedules across healthcare settings statewide.

That statewide pay level sits 4% above the national typical wage of $35,800 annually, or $17.21 hourly. This compensation places New Jersey at rank 19 among 51 ranked states and territories. The state supports a substantial caregiver community, with 117,080 aides employed locally out of 4,305,810 nationwide. This large workforce demonstrates the broad scale of personal care services across the region.

Entry-level positions in New Jersey typically offer around $15.49 per hour, which equals approximately $32,220 per year. Workers in their early months often see wages near $16.67 hourly, or $34,680 annually. With demonstrated reliability and practical skill, pay moves toward the typical figure of $17.83 within a few years. Initial training and baseline certifications establish this starting foundation.

Experienced Home Health Aides often earn upwards of $21.43 hourly, or $44,580 per year. The top 10% of earners make over $23.16 per hour, translating to more than $48,180 annually. Across the career spectrum, an entry-to-top spread of $15,960 separates starting roles from senior positions. Clinical setting, accumulated experience, and geographic city assignment typically separate these compensation tiers.

The wage record for New Jersey documents notable upward expansion between 2019 and 2025. Annual compensation climbed from a starting figure of $25,400 to $37,090 by 2025. This progression reflects an overall dollar gain of $11,690 across the reported trend years. State reimbursement adjustments and evolving wage standards supported these ongoing increases.

By comparison, the national decade rise reached 42%, demonstrating broad upward momentum across the wider home care field. New Jersey registered consistent annual advances alongside these nationwide patterns. For someone starting a caregiving career now, the historical data shows that pay has moved up over time, though past trends provide no promise of future wage growth.

Compensation varies noticeably across different regions of the state. Earnings run highest in Newark and Jersey City, where typical annual pay reaches $39,680 ($19.08 per hour). That level sits 7% above the statewide benchmark. Nearby communities also show competitive rates, with Atlantic City reporting typical wages of $37,840 annually ($18.19 per hour) and Princeton recording $37,760 per year ($18.15 hourly).

At the other end of the range, Camden reports the lowest rate at $29,800 annually, or $14.33 per hour. Across the state, a city spread of $9,880 separates the highest-paying urban center from the lowest. Newark accounts for the largest workforce with 644,700 aides employed across its broader metropolitan region. All city figures cover each city's full metro area, and higher metropolitan wages generally correspond with elevated local living expenses.

Home Health Aide earnings in New Jersey compare favorably against several neighboring states, though New York offers slightly higher compensation. In New York, typical annual pay reaches $39,620, running 7% higher than in New Jersey. Conversely, Delaware reports typical pay of $34,320, which sits 7% lower than New Jersey, while Pennsylvania posts $29,420, trailing New Jersey by 21%. Professional certification or licensure in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby one through standard reciprocity procedures.

Home Health Aides in New Jersey earn a typical wage of $37,090 per year, reflecting substantial gains over the recorded decade alongside a 42% national rise. Workers evaluating local opportunities should consult the state licensing or registry page to review mandatory credentialing requirements and background screening rules. Exploring dedicated city pages provides additional clarity on wage ranges and employer density across distinct metropolitan areas.