NOC 44101: Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations

The employment outlook will be Very good for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

A growing emphasis on home delivery of health services, in conjunction with an aging population favours opportunities in this occupational group. There is typically a large number of openings, especially in rural areas, though many are part-time in nature. The health-care system is shifting people with chronic illnesses and disabling conditions away from hospitals and institutions towards more community-based home-care settings. This occupation does not include Continuing Care Assistants who work in hospitals and nursing homes, only those who provide care in private homes. Certificates may not be required for occupations in this group which do not provide medical services, such as housekeepers.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in Nova Scotia:

Approximately 2,550 people work in this occupation.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 41%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 30%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 16%

Private households (NAICS 814): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 67% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 33% compared to 18% for all occupations

56% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 43% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

12% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 11% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 11% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 89% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 11% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 26% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 19% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 30% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 12% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in Newfoundland and Labrador for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

An aging population is expected to increase the demand for homecare services, as is a rising emphasis on providing health services at home, rather than in a hospital setting. A driver's license and vehicle insurance are typically required as workers may commute to various places to provide services. Hours may be highly irregular.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Approximately 6,400 people work in this occupation.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 65%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 21%

Private households (NAICS 814): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 64% compared to 83% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 36% compared to 17% for all occupations

52% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 48% work only part of the year, compared to 56% and 43% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 38 weeks compared to 40 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 8% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 8% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 92% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 23% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 41% compared to 27% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 17% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: less than 5% compared to 14% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in Prince Edward Island for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Home support workers and caregivers in Prince Edward Island continue to be in demand, with strong prospects supported by demographic trends and government investment in seniors’ care. The province’s 2025 budget reaffirmed funding for home care expansion and long-term care staffing, reflecting the need to keep seniors in their homes longer and reduce pressure on hospitals. Vacancies remain widespread, with employers actively recruiting through immigration streams and local training programs. Most workers are employed in home care agencies, nursing homes, and community health services, and flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, are often required. For new graduates or career changers, this occupation offers stable employment, immediate opportunities, and pathways into health care careers, particularly for those with training in personal care, palliative support, or specialized skills for seniors with complex needs. Overall, this remains one of the most promising health related occupations in P.E.I., with strong demand expected to continue as the population ages.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in Prince Edward Island:

Approximately 300 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 53%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 21%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 10%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 7%

Other services (except public administration) (NAICS 81): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 75% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 25% compared to 16% for all occupations

57% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 42% work only part of the year, compared to 59% and 41% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 41 weeks for all occupations.

15% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 13% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 10% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 90% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 9% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 23% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 28% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 25% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 8% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in New Brunswick for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

An ageing population will continue to drive demand for homecare services, as is a rising emphasis on providing health services at home rather than in a hospital setting.

A valid driver's license is typically required as workers will commute to various places to provide care.

A Personal Support Worker Certificate may be required. First Aid and C.P.R. training are generally required.

Hours may be irregular.

These jobs usually involve shiftwork and are often physically demanding, mainly in the form of transporting, lifting and turning patients.

Opportunities will also be greater for those who are fluent in both official languages of New Brunswick.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in New Brunswick:

Approximately 2,700 people work in this occupation.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 60%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 16%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 15%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 69% compared to 84% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 31% compared to 16% for all occupations

56% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 43% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

9% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 10% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 8% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 92% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 18% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 35% compared to 30% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 20% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 19% compared to 23% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 16% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

What Types of Employers Are Out There?

Health care and social assistance providers of individual and family services, home health care, and nursing and residential care

Private households

What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?

The growing and aging population will increase demand for workers to provide services to seniors, persons with disabilities, or clients recovering from illness in a home setting

Investments to increase care and capacity at long-term care homes

Initiatives to support home and community-based care

What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?

Completion of a related course, such as a Personal Support Worker program may be required

What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?

Public sector investments are being made to support training and development for personal support workers

Foreign caregivers that provide assistance to elderly persons or those with high medical needs are included in this occupational group.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in Ontario:

Approximately 21,050 people work in this occupation.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 28%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 26%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 25%

Private households (NAICS 814): 9%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 57% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 42% compared to 19% for all occupations

54% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 46% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 40 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

19% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 12% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 88% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 9% compared to 9% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 27% compared to 25% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 8% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 31% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 15% compared to 24% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

High employee turnover in this occupation could lead to additional employment opportunities.

Demand for this occupation is driven by the province's growing and aging population who need in-home services.

Home care workers negotiated a significant wage increase in 2024.

In 2025, Manitoba used the Provincial Nominee Program to invite skilled workers in this occupation to work in the province.

Key trends for this occupation include a shift from institutional settings towards community-based home care.

This occupation tends to have high employee turnover.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in Manitoba:

Approximately 2,700 people work in this occupation.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 46%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 24%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 15%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 8%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 65% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 35% compared to 19% for all occupations

64% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 36% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

Less than 5% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 18% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 82% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 13% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 31% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 15% compared to 20% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Good for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

Alberta’s population and its proportion of residents aged 65+ are predicted to increase over the next decade, contributing to demand for this occupation.

The Alberta government’s Budget 2025 outlines $3.8 billion for Assisted Living Alberta, a new provincial health care agency that will provide home care, community care, and social services.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in Alberta:

Approximately 6,850 people work in this occupation.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 45%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 18%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 15%

Private households (NAICS 814): 9%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 60% compared to 80% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 40% compared to 20% for all occupations

57% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 42% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

18% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 13% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 87% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 10% compared to 10% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 16% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 19% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 17% compared to 21% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The demand for this occupation is primarily driven by the aging population and government investments in home support services.

While Québec's population is expected to remain relatively stable in the coming years, the number of people aged 75 and over will increase. This rise will lead to a greater demand for home support services, as most seniors prefer to remain in their residence as long as possible.

The government is investing additional funds to expand these types of services, which will stimulate employment in this sector. Furthermore, the tax credit for home support services for seniors is being enhanced, which will encourage the creation of positions in social economy home care agencies, a major employer of this workforce.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in Quebec:

Approximately 17,150 people work in this occupation.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 46%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 24%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 11%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 7%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 64% compared to 82% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 36% compared to 18% for all occupations

62% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

9% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 11% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 89% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 15% compared to 12% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 20% compared to 19% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 39% compared to 19% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 18% compared to 22% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

A growing and aging population will increase the demand for workers to provide services to seniors, persons with disabilities, or recovering clients in a home setting.

Investments to increase care and capacity at long-term care homes.

Initiatives to support home and community-based care, including respite services.

Occupations that support independent living and mental health and wellbeing will be essential to reduce pressure on the health care system.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in Saskatchewan:

Approximately 1,550 people work in this occupation.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 40%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 31%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 10%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 66% compared to 81% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 34% compared to 19% for all occupations

69% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 31% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.

14% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 16% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 13% compared to 53% for all occupations

Women: 87% compared to 47% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 12% compared to 11% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 33% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 20% compared to 15% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 21% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 13% compared to 18% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The aging population will increase demand for community-based, home and community care services, long-term care, palliative and end-of-life care services.

Demand for this occupation is expected to increase, as the provincial population continues to age.

Compared to 2020, there were 18.8% more people aged 65+ in the province in 2025.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in British Columbia:

Approximately 9,100 people work in this occupation.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Social assistance (NAICS 624): 38%

Ambulatory health care services (NAICS 621): 21%

Nursing and residential care facilities (NAICS 623): 19%

Hospitals (NAICS 622): 8%

Private households (NAICS 814): 6%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 65% compared to 78% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 35% compared to 22% for all occupations

62% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.

20% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 12% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: 88% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 7% compared to 8% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 27% compared to 28% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 21% compared to 13% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 24% compared to 17% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 16% compared to 22% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations

The employment outlook will be Moderate for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in Northwest Territories for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.

Several positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

The Northwest Territories' ageing population will lead to increased demand for these occupations over the forecast period.

The territory's home care delivery model, introduced in 2024, is expanding the hours of service for residents of certain regions. This may increase employment opportunities.

The Canada-Northwest Territories Agreement to Work Together to Improve Health Care for Canadians (2023-24 to 2025-26) will support the recruitment and retention of more health care workers in the territory.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in Northwest Territories:

Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 68%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 28%

The distribution of full-time and part-time workers in this occupation is:

Full-time workers: 69% compared to 88% for all occupations

Part-time workers: 31% compared to 12% for all occupations

69% of home support workers, caregivers and related occupations work all year, while 31% work only part of the year, compared to 71% and 28% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 44 weeks for all occupations.

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: less than 5% compared to 52% for all occupations

Women: more than 95% compared to 48% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 31% compared to 17% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 31% compared to 26% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 13% compared to 12% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 18% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a

The employment outlook will be Moderate for home support workers, caregivers and related occupations (NOC 44101) in Nunavut for the 2025-2027 period.

The following factors contributed to this outlook:

Employment growth will lead to several new positions.

A moderate number of positions will become available due to retirements.

There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.

On March 5, 2024, the federal government announced that through the Aging with Dignity Agreement, the Government of Canada will provide more than $12 million to support Nunavut's five-year action plan to age with dignity close to home. This will include plans to recruit and train additional staff, focusing on Inuit hires, and increasing service hours for home care.

Here are some key facts about home support workers, caregivers and related occupations in Nunavut:

Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.

Home support workers, caregivers and related occupations mainly work in the following sectors:

Health care and social services (NAICS 62): 68%

Public Administration and Defence (NAICS 91): 28%

The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:

Men: 17% compared to 51% for all occupations

Women: 83% compared to 49% for all occupations

The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:

no high school diploma: 56% compared to 37% for all occupations

high school diploma or equivalent: 14% compared to 22% for all occupations

apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 11% for all occupations

college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 15% for all occupations

bachelor's degree: n/a

university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: n/a