diff --git a/esphome/components/mcp4461/output/mcp4461_output.cpp b/esphome/components/mcp4461/output/mcp4461_output.cpp
index 55c278d86a..5475794c6e 100644
--- a/esphome/components/mcp4461/output/mcp4461_output.cpp
+++ b/esphome/components/mcp4461/output/mcp4461_output.cpp
@@ -39,7 +39,10 @@ void Mcp4461Wiper::write_state(float state) {
 
 uint16_t Mcp4461Wiper::read_state() { return this->parent_->get_wiper_level_(this->wiper_); }
 
-void Mcp4461Wiper::update_state() { this->state = this->read_state(this->wiper_); }
+uint16_t Mcp4461Wiper::update_state() {
+  this->state = this->read_state(this->wiper_);
+  return this->state
+}
 
 void Mcp4461Wiper::save_level() {
   if (this->parent_->is_failed()) {