New Research Shows Wage Gap for Direct Care Workers
(Oct. 29, 2024) On Oct. 16th, PHI released Competitive Disadvantage: Direct Care Wages Are Lagging Behind—2024 Update, an analysis of wage disparities between direct care workers and comparable occupations throughout the U.S. The analysis also highlights trends in the wage gap between direct care workers and comparable occupations (e.g., housekeepers, janitors, customer service representatives, retail salespersons, food preparation workers) from 2014 to 2023.
The report found that in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, direct care workers earned a lower median wage than comparable occupations in other industries. As of 2023, the latest available data, the hourly wage gap varied from -$0.46 in Rhode Island to -$5.56 in Texas. In 39 states, the gap was at least -$2.00 per hour, with 19 of those states reporting a difference of over -$3.00 per hour, including NY coming in at -$3.44.
Over the past decade, direct care worker median wages remained lower than median wages for similar occupations despite narrowing in 32 states. Despite some advances, the wage gap has widened in 17 states. “An array of strategies is needed to improve job quality, strengthen and stabilize the direct care workforce, and ensure access to services for all those who need them,” the report says, reflecting LeadingAge’s support for an array of solutions to address the needs of the aging services workforce.
Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8871