6. Illinois — $33,800 Median
Illinois pays significantly better than the southern states, with a median hourly rate of $16.25. Chicago and its suburbs pull the average up substantially.
The state has strong union representation for home care workers through SEIU Healthcare, which negotiates wage floors that trickle down to non-union agencies too.
Downstate Illinois pays 15 to 20 percent less than Chicagoland, but housing costs make the takehome comparable. Overnight and weekend differentials are standard and often add $2 to $3 an hour.
