3. Washington — $38,300 Median
Washington leads the Pacific Northwest for home health pay. The state minimum wage ($16.28 in 2026) sets a firm floor, and Seattle metro adds several dollars on top.
The state's SEIU 775 union covers most Medicaid-funded home care and negotiates annual raises. New aides start at $18 and reach $22+ within 5 years.
Certification requirements are strict — 75 hours of training and a state exam. But the certification itself is portable across most West Coast states, which makes moving cheaper.
