How to Become a Paid Caregiver in Maryland: 2026 Guide

There are several ways to become a caregiver in Maryland. You can work directly with families, join a home care agency, or earn a credential for a more clinical role.

Each path comes with different caregiver requirements in Maryland. Non-medical caregivers can get started without state certification, while agency and nursing-assistant roles require additional training, screening, or credentials.

In this guide, we'll explain the main caregiving options in Maryland, what you'll need to get started, how much you can earn, and ways to find paid work.

Key takeaways

• You can provide non-medical care in Maryland without nursing assistant certification.
• Medical caregiving roles require additional training and certification, with new nursing assistant applicants pursuing CNA-I.
• Caregiver pay varies by role and location. Home health and personal care aides earn a median $18.29 per hour, while nursing assistants earn $20.79 per hour.

Types of Paid Caregivers in Maryland

Paid caregiving in Maryland includes non-medical in-home care and medical roles.

Understanding the differences between care paths can help you choose a role that matches the work you want to do.

Family caregivers

Family caregivers help a parent, spouse, relative, or another person they know with everyday needs. This can include personal care, meals, transportation, household tasks, and help with daily activities.

Family caregiving is often unpaid, but Maryland has programs that can compensate eligible family caregivers. We’ll cover those options later in this guide.

Private-pay caregivers

Private-pay caregivers work directly with older adults and families in their homes. They can help with bathing and dressing, meal preparation, light housekeeping, transportation, errands, companionship, and everyday routines.

Agency caregivers

Home care agencies hire caregivers to help clients in their homes. Depending on the agency and position, the job can include personal care, household assistance, companionship, and other daily needs.

Maryland regulates home care agencies and certain caregiving roles, so the requirements depend on the services you're hired to perform. We'll break those requirements down in the next section.

Certified Nursing Assistants

Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) provide hands-on care with activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility, and other daily needs. In Maryland, CNA-I and CNA-II roles may also include nursing-related tasks based on the caregiver’s training, work setting, and supervision.

Home Health Aides

Home Health Aides offer care in a person’s home, helping with personal care, mobility, daily routines, and other health-related needs. They often work through home health agencies and may provide care under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare professional.

Steps to becoming a paid caregiver in Maryland

What you’ll need to do to become a paid caregiver in Maryland depends on the services you'll provide and where you work. Non-medical caregiving can have a straightforward path, while nursing-related roles require additional training and certification.

Starting as a private-pay caregiver

You generally don't need nursing assistant certification to provide non-medical help such as companionship, meals, errands, light housekeeping, and other everyday support.

Families and caregiving platforms can still set their own eligibility requirements. Herewith, for example, requires Helpers to pass a background check and offers free training to prepare for non-medical caregiving work.

Working for a Maryland home care agency

Maryland licenses home care businesses known as Residential Service Agencies (RSAs). These agencies employ or contract with caregivers to provide care in clients' homes.

Caregivers working through an RSA may need to complete training, a skills assessment, and other hiring requirements before working with clients. Certification requirements depend on the type of care you'll provide.

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant

New applicants pursue CNA-I certification. The process generally includes:

• Completing a Maryland Board of Nursing-approved nursing assistant training program
• Passing the required nursing assistant competency evaluation
• Applying for certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing
• Completing the required criminal history record check

CNA-II is limited to certain nursing assistants who were already certified before Maryland changed its certification system on October 1, 2025. New applicants cannot apply for CNA-II certification.

Becoming a Home Health Aide

Home Health Aides working in licensed home health agencies in Maryland must have nursing assistant certification. For someone entering the field now, that means qualifying for CNA-I certification.

You'll generally complete a Board-approved nursing assistant training program, pass the required competency evaluation, complete the certification application and criminal history record check, and receive certification through the Maryland Board of Nursing. Your employer may also require additional training based on the care you'll provide.

How Much Do Caregivers Make in Maryland?

Caregiver pay in Maryland varies by role. Home health and personal care aides earn a median $18.29 per hour, while nursing assistants earn a median $20.79 per hour.

Annual median wages are:

• Home health and personal care aides: $38,040 per year
• Nursing assistants: $43,240 per year
• Helpers on Herewith: $20 to $30 per hour on average for non-medical in-home care

Location can also affect caregiver pay. Home health and personal care aides earn a median $18.10 per hour in the Baltimore area, $18.06 in Salisbury, and $19.26 in Lexington Park. Nursing assistant wages range from a median $18.62 per hour in Salisbury to $21.29 in Lexington Park and $21.99 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria metro area.

Your earnings will depend on your experience, location, employer, work setting, and responsibilities. Herewith Helpers set their preferred pay rate, so their earnings aren't directly comparable to wages for traditional employees.

Sources: O*Net wage data for Personal Care and Home Health Aides, O*Net wage data for Nursing Assistants

Can a Family Member Get Paid to Be a Caregiver in Maryland?

Yes. Family members may be able to get paid to provide care through certain Maryland Medicaid programs. The person receiving care must qualify for the program and approved services, and the caregiver must meet the program's requirements.

Options can include:

• Self-directed services: Some Maryland Medicaid programs allow eligible participants to choose and hire their own caregivers, including certain family members. This includes self-directed services available through Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA). The relatives who can be paid and the services they can provide depend on the program.
• Other Medicaid long-term care programs: Programs such as Community First Choice (CFC), Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS), and Medicaid waiver programs provide in-home assistance to eligible Maryland residents. Eligibility and caregiver requirements vary by program.

Payment isn't automatic, and additional restrictions can apply to spouses, legal guardians, and other legally responsible family members.

If your loved one already receives Maryland Medicaid services, their supports planner or program coordinator can explain the options available through their program.

Maryland Access Point can also help families identify long-term care programs and connect with application assistance.

What to Expect When Working as a Caregiver in Maryland

Caregiving responsibilities can vary considerably between clients. Before accepting a job, make sure you understand what you'll be expected to do and whether those responsibilities match your skills and training.

A few questions can help you evaluate an opportunity:

• What help does the client need? Ask about personal care, mobility, meals, transportation, household tasks, and other daily routines.
• Does the job involve nursing tasks? Maryland distinguishes everyday assistance from nursing tasks delegated by a nurse. Don't take on responsibilities that require credentials or training you don't have.
• How much physical assistance is involved? Find out whether you'll need to help with transfers, walking, bathing, or other hands-on activities so you can prepare to do them safely.
• What does the family expect? Clarify your schedule, responsibilities, communication, and boundaries before you begin.

You don't need to know how to handle every caregiving situation when you're starting out. Choose work you're prepared for, ask questions when expectations aren't clear, and build your skills as you gain experience.

Caregiver Training and Resources in Maryland

Maryland caregivers can find resources for professional training, certification, local services, and family caregiver support.

• Maryland Board of Nursing training programs: If you're pursuing nursing assistant certification, the Board maintains a current list of approved training programs and information about the certification process.
• Maryland Access Point (MAP): MAP connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers with local services, long-term care programs, financial assistance, transportation, and other resources.
• Maryland Family Caregiver Support Program: Family caregivers can access information, help finding services, caregiver training, counseling and support groups, respite care, and other assistance based on eligibility.
• Area Agencies on Aging: Local agencies help Maryland residents connect with caregiver services and other aging and disability programs in their communities.

You don't need to pursue every training program or resource at once. Start with the support that matches your current role, then add training or credentials if your caregiving responsibilities or career goals change.

Finding Caregiving Work on Herewith

If non-medical in-home care is the path you want to pursue, Herewith can help you find private caregiving opportunities in Maryland.

Create a Helper profile to share your experience, availability, and preferred pay rate. From there, you can:

• Browse local Help Requests: See what families need, the schedule, and what they're offering before you apply.
• Choose work that fits your schedule: Set your availability and decide which clients and opportunities you want to pursue.
• Set your preferred pay rate: Helpers earn $20 to $30 per hour on average, with rates varying by experience, services, and local wages.
• Communicate directly with families: Chat about responsibilities, scheduling, and pay before accepting a booking.
• Manage your work through Herewith: Keep track of bookings, shifts, communication, and payments in one place.

You don't need nursing assistant certification to find non-medical caregiving work on Herewith. If you're ready to get started, create a Helper profile and begin looking for Help Requests in your area.

Maryland Paid Caregiver FAQs

Do you need a license to be a caregiver in Maryland?

No. You don't need nursing assistant certification to provide basic, non-medical help with daily activities in Maryland. Certification is required if you routinely perform nursing tasks delegated by a nurse for compensation.

How do I become a caregiver with no experience in Maryland?

You can start with non-medical caregiving without previous professional experience or nursing assistant certification. Training in personal care, safe mobility, dementia support, and emergency procedures can help you prepare for your first job. Herewith also offers free training for Helpers.

What is the difference between CNA-I and CNA-II in Maryland?

CNA-I is Maryland's current nursing assistant certification for new applicants and allows you to work in any practice setting. CNA-II replaced the state's former CNA designation and is limited to people who held that certification before Maryland changed its system on October 1, 2025. CNA-II holders cannot work as nursing assistants in nursing facilities.

How much does a caregiver make in Maryland?

Home health and personal care aides in Maryland earn a median $18.29 per hour, while nursing assistants earn a median $20.79 per hour. Helpers on Herewith earn $20 to $30 per hour on average.

Can I get paid to take care of a family member in Maryland?

Yes, certain Maryland Medicaid programs allow qualified family members to be paid for approved caregiving services. The rules depend on the program, the services your relative qualifies for, and your relationship to the person receiving care.