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Healthcare

Personal Care Aide

Provide personalized assistance to individuals with disabilities or illness who require help with personal care and activities of daily living support (e.g., feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, and ambulation). May also provide help with tasks such as preparing meals, doing light housekeeping, and doing laundry. Work is performed in various settings depending on the needs of the care recipient and may include locations such as their home, place of work, out in the community, or at a daytime nonresidential facility.

Annual openings

9,719

Median wage

$38,540

Typical education

Education not reported

Growth 2024–2034

+28%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025) · Home Health and Personal Care Aides (combined SOC 31-1120).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Education not reported

Credential requirement

No certification is required or expected for this job.

Work experience

Entry-level

Experience detail

This is an entry-level role so no experience in a Healthcare environment is required. However, full or part-time work experience of any kind developing the listed knowledge and abilities is preferred, with previous Healthcare and Customer Service experience being valued.

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following critical competencies and how they apply for this job

  • Communication, Interpersonal Skills, and Teamwork — Work very closely with individuals receiving direct care and their families, as well as other clinical staff, thus effectively communicating a client’s needs is critical. Managing dynamic relationships, while also maintaining a strong personal relationship with the client is at the heart of this work. Effective writing skills are important to accurately record client care information. May work one-on-one with clients or in a congregate setting with team members.
  • Customer Focus and Integrity — Excellent customer service (establishing rapport, having a good bedside manner, providing culturally sensitive care, etc.) is critical. Maintaining professional boundaries and having a strong work ethic are also important.
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making — A key role is observing clients, identifying if something unusual is occurring or if there are any changes in their condition, while also understanding when to alert higher-level care providers.
  • Adaptability & Initiative — This jack of all trades position encounters significant situational changes (including dealing with trauma) between clients; particularly for those who work in the community in their client’s homes. Requires the individual to be self-motivated, with the ability to manage their own time and schedule.
  • Health & Safety and Physical Abilities — The ability to safely provide hands-on assistance to clients depending on their needs, while adhering to all safety protocols.
This job has been identified as a good entry-level job to gain experience for future advancement in long-term care careers.
These jobs exist in a variety of settings, such as assisted living facilities, a customer's home, long-term care facilities, behavioral health facilities, group homes, or adult day programs. You could work with a large organization in a large facility with many workers, or with an individual in their home. You could also work a set schedule or have flexibility in the hours you work.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

A typical day

  1. Prepare and maintain records of client progress and services performed, reporting changes in client condition to manager or supervisor.
  2. Instruct or advise clients on issues, such as household cleanliness, utilities, hygiene, nutrition, or infant care.
  3. Perform housekeeping duties, such as cooking, cleaning, washing clothes or dishes, or running errands.
  4. Provide clients with communication assistance, typing their correspondence or obtaining information for them.
  5. Administer bedside or personal care, such as ambulation or personal hygiene assistance.
  6. Perform healthcare-related tasks, such as monitoring vital signs and medication, under the direction of registered nurses or physiotherapists.
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