Caregiver Job Market

Job Duties

What does a caregiver do?

As the proverbial (and literal) saints of healthcare, caregivers use their compassion, sensitivity, and concrete skills to assist in all areas of patient care and management. Here’s what a typical day or week might look like:

• Cleaning and bathing patients or residents
• Helping patients use the toilet and dress
• Turning, repositioning, and transferring patients between beds and wheelchairs
• Measuring patients’ vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature 
• Serving meals and helping patients eat

Work Environment

Professional caregivers work in a variety of settings such as residential care facilities and hospitals.

Pay Scale

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for certified nursing assistants is just above $28,000 per year, so that should give you a good idea as to what you can expect to earn as a caregiver.

Industry Demand

Employment of nursing assistants is projected to grow 9% through 2028, while employment of home health aides is projected to grow by 36%. That’s a great outlook for caregivers with the right skills.