Home health and personal care aides in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA area earn a median of $16.54/hour ($34,410/year), based on the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. That is 2.6% 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 $16.54/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 Iowa 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 Des Moines-West Des Moines is $16.97, with a median of $16.54. Annual pay averages $35,290 (mean) or $34,410 (median), per BLS OEWS May 2023 data.
Caregivers in Des Moines-West Des Moines earn 2.6% 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 Iowa 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.
