Pennsylvania Caretaker Requirements
Everything an agency needs to hire compliant caretakers in Pennsylvania — and everything an individual needs to know before starting work.
Training
28h
Min Age
18
Pay
$14–22
TB Test
Yes
CPR
Varies
Verify Eligibility
Not required by most states for non-medical home care, but preferred by many agencies
Complete Background Checks & Screening
The hiring agency initiates and pays for these checks. All must clear before the caretaker has any client contact.
State police, FBI fingerprint, and child abuse clearances (Act 34, 114, 151)
Not required by the state, but many agencies require a pre-employment drug test
Must be completed within 12 months of hire. Some agencies require annual rescreening.
Not required by the state, but many agencies require it and it strengthens your application
Complete Required Training
Agencies are responsible for providing or arranging this training. It must be completed before the caretaker works independently with clients.
Direct Care Worker (DCW)
Non-medical aide providing personal care and companion services.
28
Hours
Pre-service training
16 hoursAgency-provided training in personal care, safety, and communication
Annual in-service
12 hoursContinuing education
Scope of Practice — What This Role Covers
Meet Additional State Requirements
Maintain Ongoing Compliance
Agencies must track these deadlines and ensure all staff remain compliant. Lapsed credentials can result in fines and loss of licensure.
Renewal & Continuing Education
Clearances renewed every 5 years; annual 12 hours CE
Annually or per agency policy
Regulatory Body
Average Hourly Pay
$14 – $22
per hour for non-medical care
Higher rates for weekends, overnights, and specialized care (dementia, hospice support). Urban areas typically pay 15–25% more than rural.
Demand Outlook
Strong — Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metros plus large rural population
Home care is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the U.S. Demand is driven by the aging population and preference for aging in place.
Pennsylvania-Specific Notes
- 1Pennsylvania requires THREE separate background clearances (most in the nation)
- 2Home Care Agency and Home Care Registry are two different license types
- 3Philadelphia metro and Pittsburgh metro drive majority of demand
- 4OLTL (Office of Long-Term Living) administers Medicaid waivers
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours are required for caretakers in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires 28 hours of pre-service training for Direct Care Workers. This typically covers pre-service training, annual in-service. The hiring agency is responsible for providing or verifying this training.
What background checks are required for home care caretakers in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires: State police, FBI fingerprint, and child abuse clearances (Act 34, 114, 151). The hiring agency must complete all screening before the caretaker has any client contact. Drug testing policy: agency discretion.
How much do home care caretakers earn in Pennsylvania?
Non-medical home care caretakers in Pennsylvania earn $14–$22 per hour on average. Pay varies by region, experience, care complexity, and whether the shift is weekday vs weekend/overnight.
What is the minimum age to work as a caretaker in Pennsylvania?
You must be at least 18 years old to work as a non-medical home care caretaker in Pennsylvania. Most agencies also require a valid ID and legal work authorization.
What ongoing requirements do caretakers have in Pennsylvania?
Clearances renewed every 5 years; annual 12 hours CE Agencies are responsible for tracking compliance and ensuring all staff maintain current credentials.
Managing caretaker compliance across your team?
HomeCareAtlas automatically tracks certifications, training deadlines, background check expirations, and renewal dates for every caretaker on your roster.
See how it worksThis guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements change — always verify with Pennsylvania Department of Health before starting training or employment. HomeCareAtlas is not a certifying body and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.