Caregiver Salary in St. Louis, MO-IL (2023)

Home health and personal care aides in the St. Louis, MO-IL area earn a median of $12.55/hour ($26,090/year), based on the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data. That is 22.1% below the national caregiver median.

Median hourly pay
$12.55
$26,090/year
Average hourly pay
$14.18
$29,490/year
Caregivers employed
39,650
in the St. Louis area
vs national median
-22.1%
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 St. Louis caregiver

The $12.55/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 Missouri?

Several Missouri 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 Missouri caregiver pay guide →

Caregiver salary FAQs — St. Louis

What is the average caregiver salary in St. Louis?

The average hourly wage for home health and personal care aides in St. Louis is $14.18, with a median of $12.55. Annual pay averages $29,490 (mean) or $26,090 (median), per BLS OEWS May 2023 data.

How does St. Louis caregiver pay compare to the national average?

Caregivers in St. Louis earn 22.1% below the national median of $16.12/hour.

Can I be paid to care for my parent in St. Louis?

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

Do I need a certification to work as a caregiver in St. Louis?

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

Chicago-Naperville-Elgin
$16.97/hr median
Kansas City
$14.58/hr median
Springfield
$14.02/hr median