US nursing homes will face more than 660,000 nursing aide job openings through 2034, almost double what will be needed across four other main job roles, according to a new report on the direct care workforce. Gaps showingOnly about two-thirds (65%) of nursing assistants work full-time, year-round, PHI reported, citing US census data. Median annual earnings for direct care workers were just under $26,000 in 2024, but nursing home direct care workers topped that at $30,586. Still, relatively low wages combined with a high rate of part-time work make it challenging for direct care workers to financially support themselves and their families. But the report also acknowledges the limits of nursing homes to increase wages, especially given “structural factors” such as the sector’s reliance on public payers for 66% of revenue.