There are several reasons why "personal care aides" are hard to find.  The work is not steady.  Sure, you can make $31,000 a year, but only if you actually work for 40 hours per week for 52 weeks.  These jobs are filled using "flexible staffing" -- if there are no clients, the employer does not send you out for work.  You probably need a car to get to the client's home. You probably work only 4 hours -- not enough to pay the cost of gas.  You get no job benefits, so you have to pay for your own health insurance, even when working as a health care professional.  With unpredictable work schedules, you cannot commit yourself and family to renting a place to live.   Even licensed practical nurses (LPNs) cannot count on a steady income from paycheck to paycheck.  A lot more has to be done to make custodial care and nursing attractive as a job than vague promises of a possible $31,000 income.