How Much Does a Home Health Aide Make in Virginia in 2026?

A typical Home Health Aide in Virginia earns about $14.57 per hour ($30,300 per year), per the latest government wage data (May 2025). Broken down across the calendar year, that annual figure translates to approximately $2,525 per month. On a shorter timeline, full-time workers make about $583 per week, calculated directly from the yearly total. These figures reflect steady earnings across standard caregiving schedules.

Nationwide, the typical wage stands at $17.21 hourly, or $35,800 annually, meaning Virginia falls 15% below the national benchmark. That wage level places the state at rank 40 among 51 ranked states and territories. Virginia sustains a sizable caregiving community, supporting 70,070 working aides statewide. Lower pay in the state generally aligns with regional living costs.

Entry-level positions in Virginia typically offer around $12.97 per hour, which equals roughly $26,980 per year for newcomers. Starting caregivers build core practical skills during their initial assignments. Within a few years on the job, pay steadily moves toward the statewide typical mark of $14.57 per hour, or $30,300 annually. Consistent performance and specialized client care help accelerate that wage progression.

Experienced caregivers often earn upwards of $17.24 per hour, representing an annual income of $35,860. The top 10% of earners make over $19.55 per hour, translating to more than $40,650 per year. Across the profession, the spread between entry-level wages and top pay reaches $13,670. Clinical setting, years of experience, and geographic city largely account for the compensation difference between these earning tiers.

In 2019, typical pay for Home Health Aides in Virginia stood at $21,100 per year. By 2025, that annual figure climbed to $30,300, marking an overall dollar gain of $9,200. This upward shift unfolded through steady annual wage increases across consecutive reporting cycles. State healthcare facilities expanded baseline compensation across this multi-year period.

Nationwide, typical compensation expanded with a 42% rise over the full decade. While Virginia experienced meaningful dollar increases, the broader national pace highlights ongoing wage adjustments across the wider healthcare sector. For someone starting in the field today, pay has moved up over time, though past trends offer no promise of future wage growth.

Within Virginia, earnings run highest in the Arlington metropolitan area, where typical annual pay reaches $38,530 ($18.52 per hour). That top-paying figure sits 27% above the statewide benchmark. Compensation also stays competitive in nearby markets such as Bristol, where workers make $29,760 per year, and Richmond, where annual pay reaches $29,360. All reported local figures reflect compensation across each city's entire surrounding metropolitan area.

At the other end of the state scale, Roanoke records the lowest earnings at $27,540 annually ($13.24 hourly). Across Virginia cities, the resulting spread in typical annual pay equals $10,990. Arlington also claims the largest workforce in the state, employing 50,450 aides. These urban wage differences generally reflect local housing expenses and regional living costs rather than distinct job duties.

Annual pay across bordering states varies widely around Virginia. The District of Columbia reports typical pay of $42,700, which sits 41% higher than Virginia, while Maryland offers $38,040, running 26% higher. Kentucky pays $36,440 (20% higher), Tennessee pays $32,130 (6% higher), and North Carolina pays $31,240 (3% higher). West Virginia reports lower typical earnings at $28,010, trailing Virginia by 8%. Licensure or registry credentials earned in one state can often be transferred or endorsed into a nearby one.

Typical Home Health Aide pay in Virginia currently stands at $14.57 per hour ($30,300 annually), reflecting a steady $9,200 rise over the multi-year tracking period. Workers planning a caregiving career can review the state licensing or registry page for specific training and certification requirements. Prospective aides should also check individual city pages to compare localized wage patterns across their home region.