Caretakers Salary
Median salary £25,147 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £25,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For caretakers, £28,950 is the typical (median) pay. That is well below the UK full-time median of £39,039 — -26% versus the national average. Experienced caretakers (top 25%) earn over £30,040.
About this role
Caretakers provide personal care, practical assistance and emotional support to people who need help with daily living due to age, illness, disability or other circumstances. They work in residential care homes, supported living, domiciliary care or hospital settings.
Key responsibilities
- Assisting with personal care including washing, dressing and feeding
- Supporting daily living activities and promoting independence
- Monitoring wellbeing and reporting changes in condition
- Administering medication under supervision where trained
- Maintaining accurate care records and contributing to care plans
Qualifications and entry routes
No formal qualifications are always required, but the Care Certificate is expected within 12 weeks of starting. NVQ/Diploma Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care is the progression standard. DBS check is mandatory.
Career outlook
Severe workforce crisis with over 150,000 vacancies sector-wide. Pay improvements and career pathway development are ongoing priorities.
Key skills
Common industries
- Residential care homes
- Domiciliary care
- NHS
- Supported living
- Mental health services
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£14,153
0-2 years
Mid Level
£14,153
3-7 years
Senior
£30,040
8-15 years
Potential career growth: ▲ +112% from entry to leadership
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Gender pay gap: 29.0%
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£3,803
Caretakers salary: common questions
How much do caretakers earn in the UK?
Is £28,950 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for caretakers?
Have caretakers salaries kept up with inflation?
Is there a gender pay gap for caretakers?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).