How Much Do Non-Medical Elderly Companions Earn?

Even if they are in good health, people over the age of 65 sometimes require assistance with running errands, preparing meals or performing housework as well as company for their emotional well-being. Non-medical elderly companions help meet the needs of seniors by assisting in the home and accompanying them on outings.

Work Experience

In November 2009, non-medical elderly companions with one to four years of experience in the field earned between $7.09 and $9.21 per hour or $14,747 to $19,156 per year based on a 40-hour workweek, according to payscale.com. Those with five years of experience or more earned hourly rates of $7.33 and $13.23 or $15,246 to $27,518 annually.

Employer Type

Non-medical elderly companions who were self-employed earned between $7.07 and $10.17 per hour or $14,705.60 and $21,153 per year, according to November 2009 reporting on payscale.com. Those who worked for companies earned $7.36 to $9.21 per hour and $15,308 to $19,156 per year.

Company Size

For non-medical elderly companions employed by companies, starting wages were $0.75 higher at employers with more than 10 employees than those with 10 or fewer at 7.83 and $7.08, respectively, in November 2009, according to payscale.com. The average maximum hourly rate at larger employers was $3.51 higher at $13.73 compared with $10.22 at smaller employers.

Geography

In November 2009, high-paying states for non-medical elderly companions included New York, Virginia, Connecticut, New Jersey, Georgia, Arizona and Maryland.

Benefits

Non-medical elderly companions often receive benefits. including casual dress, flexible scheduling and paid holidays and vacations. Some non-medical elderly companions also receive room and board.

References

• Payscale.com