Iowa direct care workers see low wage growth over 15 years

Iowa CareGivers, a nonprofit supporting family caregivers and direct care workers, partnered with Iowa Workforce Development in 2025 to conduct the Direct Care Workers of Iowa Wage and Benefit Survey, repeating a 2019 study. The 2025 study found that real wages for direct care workers grew by only $2.62 over 15 years, despite median hourly pay rising from $11.50 per hour in 2010 to $19.72 per hour in 2025 adjusted for inflation. Direct care workers include certified nurse aides; home care, hospital, and hospice aides; and direct support professionals. The survey was also completed in 2004 and 2010, but since 2019, the data has been collected through worker interviews rather than employers. The survey was supported by the Northwest Area Foundation and Mid-Iowa Health Foundation. According to a news release, the survey drew national attention, prompting Iowa CareGivers to recently convene 50 stakeholders in a Day of Dialogue focused on advancing wage improvements and strategies for recruitment and retention amid growing demand.