Home care cost calculator
What a caregiver costs per hour, per week and per month in your state: through an agency or hired directly, with employer taxes and overtime. And how it compares with assisted living and a nursing home.
Compared with other options in the state
Please note: this is a rough estimate for information only, not legal, tax or accounting advice. Minimum wages, overtime and taxes change every year and depend on your state, city and situation (for example, if the caregiver is a family member). State unemployment tax rates are the rates for new employers. Agency rates are CareScout 2025 medians and vary a lot. Check IRS Publication 926, your state labor agency or a tax professional.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an in-home caregiver cost in the United States?
Do I have to pay taxes if I hire a caregiver?
Do I have to pay overtime?
Does Medicaid or Medicare pay for a caregiver?
Sources
- Minimum wage: U.S. Department of Labor, State Minimum Wage Laws (table updated as of July 1, 2026); Florida Constitution, Art. X, § 24 ($15 since September 30, 2026); official state and city websites for local minimum wages.
- Caregiver wages: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 31-1120 Home Health and Personal Care Aides (published May 15, 2026; official state file oesm25st).
- Home care agency, adult day center, assisted living and nursing home rates: CareScout (Genworth) Cost of Care Survey 2025, published March 2, 2026 (median tables by state; does not include the District of Columbia or Puerto Rico).
- Employer taxes: IRS Publication 926 (2026): 7.65% employer share if cash wages reach $3,000 in the year; Social Security wage base $184,500; IRS: 0.6% net on the first $7,000 if you pay $1,000 or more in a quarter.
- Checked on October 15, 2026.
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