Home care aides in New York will receive a raise in the minimum wage as the sector has struggled to retain and recruit workers during the pandemic.
State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon announced Thursday the wages for home care workers will be increased based on region.
In New York City, Long Island and Westchester County, the minimum hourly pay will reach $17. North of Westchester County, the minimum pay will be $15.20 per hour.
The increases are retroactive to Oct. 1, Reardon said.
“We know how valuable our home care aides are, especially with the shortages we’re currently seeing," Reardon said. “This minimum wage increase will ensure home care aides are well paid and able to support themselves and their families, which will help attract more people to the profession. Overall, this will ensure better worker retention and patient care.”
The move for home care aides comes after Reardon previously announced the minimum wage more broadly will increase by $1 to $14.20 in counties north of Westchester. That increase, if granted final approval, will take effect at the end of the year following a public comment period.