Oregon Caregiver Requirements
Everything an agency needs to hire compliant caregivers in Oregon — and everything an individual needs to know before starting work.
Training
30h
Min Age
18
Pay
$16–24
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 caregiver has any client contact.
State and national criminal records check via Oregon State Police
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 caregiver works independently with clients.
Home Care Worker (HCW)
Non-medical caregiver providing in-home services.
30
Hours
Pre-service orientation
18 hoursPersonal care, safety, communication, infection control, client rights
Continuing education
12 hoursAnnual training in relevant topics
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
Annual 12 hours of continuing education
Annually or per agency policy
Regulatory Body
Average Hourly Pay
$16 – $24
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 — Portland metro and retirement communities along coast
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.
Oregon-Specific Notes
- 1Oregon has an In-Home Care Agency license requirement
- 2Portland metro is the primary market
- 3Oregon has a robust Medicaid home care system (Oregon Health Plan)
- 4Documentation requirements are among the most extensive in the nation
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours are required for caregivers in Oregon?
Oregon requires 30 hours of pre-service training for Home Care Workers. This typically covers pre-service orientation, continuing education. The hiring agency is responsible for providing or verifying this training.
What background checks are required for home care caregivers in Oregon?
Oregon requires: State and national criminal records check via Oregon State Police. The hiring agency must complete all screening before the caregiver has any client contact. Drug testing policy: agency discretion.
How much do home care caregivers earn in Oregon?
Non-medical home care caregivers in Oregon earn $16–$24 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 caregiver in Oregon?
You must be at least 18 years old to work as a non-medical home care caregiver in Oregon. Most agencies also require a valid ID and legal work authorization.
What ongoing requirements do caregivers have in Oregon?
Annual 12 hours of continuing education Agencies are responsible for tracking compliance and ensuring all staff maintain current credentials.
Managing caregiver compliance across your team?
HomeCareAtlas automatically tracks certifications, training deadlines, background check expirations, and renewal dates for every caregiver on your roster.
See how it worksThis guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements change — always verify with Oregon Department of Human Services before starting training or employment. HomeCareAtlas is not a certifying body and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.
Researched and reviewed by
John Helmy, Founder of HomeCareAtlasBuilding tools and resources to help home care agency owners navigate licensing, compliance, and growth.