The legions of workers who make it possible for hundreds of thousands of older and disabled Massachusetts residents to live in their own homes will be getting a pay raise.

Some 35,000 personal care attendants will receive a 44-cent hourly increase in July, under a three-year contract announced Monday between the administration of Governor Charlie Baker and the workers’ union, 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East.

The pact promises a $15 hourly wage by 2018, an amount unions nationwide are seeking for others in typically low-paid industries, such as fast-food workers.

“This new contract ensures that the 35,000 men and women who perform this important work have appropriate compensation and increased funding for education,’’ Baker said in a statement.

The contract includes a $200,000 annual increase in money devoted to education and training for the attendants, the statement said.

Personal care attendants are paid through MassHealth, the state’s Medicaid program for low-income residents. The workers help clients with basic household chores such as laundry, shopping, and preparing meals.

“This new contract ensures a professional workforce and a robust education and training program so that residents can access quality care at home,’’ said Tyrék D. Lee Sr., SEIU’s executive vice president.

Kay Lazar can be reached at kay.lazar@globe.com.