How to Get Paid as a Caregiver in Texas: 2026 Guide

Caring for someone you love takes patience, time, and skill.

Many Texans don’t realize there are programs that can help them earn income for that care. Or that those same caregiving skills can translate to private care jobs working for other families.

As a family caregiver, you may qualify for state-funded pay, while as a professional caregiver, you can find additional opportunities to use your caregiving skills to earn extra money.

In this guide, you’ll learn how caregiver pay works in Texas, what programs may help family caregivers, and how to find private-pay caregiving opportunities with local families.

Herewith connects Helpers with families seeking private-pay care and does not administer state-funded caregiver programs or benefits.

Key Takeaways

• Some family caregivers in Texas may qualify for pay through state-funded programs like STAR+PLUS.
• Professional caregivers in Texas can earn income through agencies or private-pay work with local families.
• Herewith helps professional caregivers find work with private-pay families. We do not administer Medicaid, state caregiver benefits, grants, or other government-funded programs.

Does Texas Pay Family Caregivers?

In some cases, yes. Texas doesn’t automatically pay family members for caregiving, but several state programs can provide financial support once eligibility is confirmed.

The main option is STAR+PLUS, a Medicaid waiver that helps adults with disabilities or seniors who need long-term support at home. Under this program, certain family members, excluding spouses, can be paid as attendants once their loved one qualifies.

Other programs to explore include:

• Community Attendant Services (CAS): For individuals who meet income and care requirements but aren’t on Medicaid.
• Community Care for Aged/Disabled (CCAD): Provides non-medical in-home support for older adults who need help with daily tasks.
• PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly): Combines Medicare and Medicaid to cover home and community-based care.

To check eligibility or apply for state-funded caregiver pay, contact Texas Health and Human Services by calling 2-1-1 or visiting YourTexasBenefits.com.

These programs are administered through Texas agencies, not Herewith.

How Much Do Professional Caregivers Earn in Texas?

While some family caregivers can be paid by the state to provide care for their own families, professional caregiving is a completely different earning path open to people who want to use their caregiving skills for extra income.

Professional caregivers earn income by providing care to other families, either through an agency or through private-pay clients.

Professional caregivers working through agencies typically earn about $12 to $18 per hour, though some roles in larger cities reach $20 or more, depending on experience and demand.

Private-pay caregivers often earn higher rates because they work directly with families instead of through agencies. These roles can include:

• Companionship and supervision
• Help with meals, errands, or transportation
• Light housekeeping
• Assistance with bathing, dressing, or medication reminders

Because these jobs aren’t tied to government pay rates, caregivers and families decide together on hourly rates and schedules. Many private caregivers in Texas earn $18 to $25 per hour, depending on experience and location.

In large metro areas like Houston or Dallas, flexibility is especially valuable. Traffic, distance, and cost of living can all affect rates.

Herewith helps professional caregivers find private-pay work with local families. Helpers set their own rates based on their city, skills, and availability, giving them more control over when they work and which clients to choose.

Why Herewith Offers a More Flexible Way to Earn

For professional caregivers looking for private-pay work, Herewith offers a flexible way to connect with local families who need in-home care.

Here’s how it’s different from traditional home care agencies:

• No agency markups: Families book Helpers directly, which keeps hourly rates fair for everyone.
• Vetted, insured Helpers: Every Helper completes a free background check and carries liability coverage through the platform.
• Set your own schedule: Choose part-time, full-time, or a few hours a week and decide which clients you want to work for.
• Transparent pay: You set your hourly rate and keep more of what you earn.

Herewith offers professional caregivers a flexible way to build steady work and earn fair pay. It’s ideal for those who want to help local families while keeping control of their time and income.

How to Get Started as a Paid Caregiver in Texas

The path to getting paid depends on the type of caregiving you provide. Family caregivers may qualify for state-funded pay for caring for their own loved ones, while professional caregivers earn income by providing care to other families.

If you want to get paid to care for your own family member:

1. Contact Texas Health and Human Services or your local Area Agency on Aging to ask about STAR+PLUS or CAS eligibility.
2. Gather proof of income, residency, and your loved one’s care needs.
3. If your loved one doesn’t qualify for state-funded pay, explore community resources for additional support.

If you want to find professional caregiving work with other families:

1. Visit Herewith.com and select Texas as your region.
2. Complete the application and background screening.
3. Create your profile with your hourly rate, experience, and schedule.
4. Connect with families near you in Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, and surrounding areas.

Next Steps for Texas Caregivers

If you’re interested in earning money as a professional caregiver, private-pay work gives you the flexibility to choose when you work, set your rates, and provide care to families in your community.

Herewith helps professional caregivers connect with local families looking for private-pay in-home care. Create a Helper profile to share your experience, availability, and hourly rate, then explore caregiving opportunities in your area.

Take a few minutes to explore opportunities in your area and see how flexible caregiving can fit into your life.

Texas Families Also Ask:

Does Herewith help family caregivers get paid by the state of Texas?

No. Herewith does not administer Medicaid, state caregiver benefits, grants, or other government-funded programs. If you’re seeking state-funded pay for caring for a family member, contact Texas Health and Human Services by calling 2-1-1 or visiting YourTexasBenefits.com.

Can family members get paid to take care of relatives in Texas?

In some cases, yes. Programs like STAR+PLUS and CAS may pay certain family members who provide in-home care once eligibility is confirmed.

How much do caregivers make in Texas?

Most caregivers earn $12–$25 per hour, depending on experience, city, and whether they work through an agency or directly with families.

Does Texas Medicaid pay for in-home care?

Yes. Texas Medicaid may cover home-based care through programs such as STAR+PLUS, PACE, or CCAD, depending on medical and income requirements.

How can I start working as a paid caregiver in Texas?

Professional caregivers can find work through home care agencies or provide private-pay care directly to families. Herewith helps caregivers connect with local families looking for private-pay in-home care.

Is private caregiving a good career in Texas?

Yes. Demand for in-home caregivers continues to grow across the state, and flexible private-pay opportunities make it easier to build steady, meaningful work.

What kind of services do caregivers offer on Herewith?

Helpers, or private in-home caregivers, typically offer non-medical care to support older adults and people with ongoing care needs, such as mobility support, memory care, and assistance with ADLS.