UK Care Worker Salary Guide 2025: What You Should Be Earning
A comprehensive guide to care worker pay in the UK, including minimum wage, NHS pay bands, visa salary requirements, and what to do if you are being underpaid.
Key Pay Figures for 2025
National Minimum Wage & National Living Wage
The UK Government sets minimum pay rates that all employers must follow. From April 2025, the rates are:
| Age Group | Rate From April 2025 | Annual (37.5 hrs/wk) |
|---|---|---|
| 21 and over (NLW) | GBP 12.21/hour | GBP 23,808 |
| 18-20 | GBP 10.00/hour | GBP 19,500 |
| Under 18 | GBP 7.55/hour | GBP 14,722 |
| Apprentice | GBP 7.55/hour | GBP 14,722 |
Important: If your employer is paying you less than the National Minimum/Living Wage, this is illegal. You can report this to HMRC (phone: 0300 123 1100) or contact ACAS for confidential advice.
NHS Pay Bands (Agenda for Change)
If you work for the NHS, you are paid on the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scale. Care roles typically fall in Bands 2-5:
| Band | Typical Role | Starting Salary | Top of Band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Band 2 | Healthcare Assistant (HCA) | ~GBP 23,615 | ~GBP 25,674 |
| Band 3 | Senior HCA / Care Coordinator | ~GBP 24,071 | ~GBP 25,674 |
| Band 4 | Assistant Practitioner | ~GBP 26,530 | ~GBP 29,114 |
| Band 5 | Registered Nurse | ~GBP 29,970 | ~GBP 36,483 |
| Band 6 | Senior/Specialist Nurse | ~GBP 37,338 | ~GBP 44,962 |
NHS salaries include additional benefits: 27-33 days annual leave, NHS pension (employer contributes ~20%), sick pay, and London weighting (GBP 5,000-7,000 extra for London roles).
Private Care Sector Pay
Private sector care worker pay varies significantly by region, employer, and role:
| Region | Avg Hourly Rate | Avg Annual (FT) |
|---|---|---|
| London | GBP 12.50 - 14.50 | GBP 24,375 - 28,275 |
| South East | GBP 12.00 - 13.50 | GBP 23,400 - 26,325 |
| Midlands | GBP 11.50 - 13.00 | GBP 22,425 - 25,350 |
| North England | GBP 11.50 - 12.50 | GBP 22,425 - 24,375 |
| Wales | GBP 12.00 - 13.00 | GBP 23,400 - 25,350 |
| Scotland | GBP 12.00 - 13.00 | GBP 23,400 - 25,350 |
Visa Salary Requirements for Sponsored Workers
If you are on a Health and Care Worker visa, your employer must pay you at least the going rate for your specific job. For care workers (SOC code 6145), the going rate is approximately GBP 23,200 per year (full-time). For registered nurses (SOC 2231), it is approximately GBP 29,970.
Your visa salary matters: If your employer reduces your pay below the going rate threshold, it could affect your visa status. If you believe your pay has been unlawfully reduced, contact ACAS immediately.
Common Deductions to Watch For
Some employers make deductions from your wages. Here is what is legal and what is not:
Legal Deductions
- Tax (PAYE) and National Insurance
- Student loan repayments
- Pension contributions
- Accommodation offset (up to GBP 9.99/day)
- Court-ordered deductions
Illegal / Questionable
- Visa sponsorship fees (employer must pay)
- Immigration Skills Charge (employer cost)
- Recruitment fees or agency costs
- Excessive accommodation charges
- Training costs that bring pay below NMW
What To Do If You Are Underpaid
- Check your payslip carefully. You are entitled to an itemised payslip showing all deductions.
- Calculate your actual hourly rate. Divide your take-home pay (before tax) by hours worked including travel time between clients.
- Raise it with your employer first. Sometimes errors are genuine mistakes.
- Contact ACAS (0300 123 1100) for free, confidential employment advice.
- Report to HMRC if your employer refuses to correct minimum wage violations.
- Consider switching sponsors. You have the right to move to a better employer. Read our switching guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for sponsored care workers in 2025?
For the Health and Care Worker visa, care workers (SOC 6145) typically need to earn at least the going rate, which is around GBP 23,200 per year for full-time work. Always check the latest UKVI guidance as thresholds can change.
Do care workers get paid overtime in the UK?
UK employers must pay at least the National Minimum Wage for all hours worked, including overtime. They are not legally required to pay a higher overtime rate unless specified in your contract. Many employers do pay enhanced rates for bank holidays, nights, and weekends.
Can my employer deduct money for accommodation?
Yes, but only up to the accommodation offset limit (GBP 9.99/day or GBP 69.93/week in 2024/25). If deductions bring your effective rate below minimum wage, this is illegal. Seek advice from ACAS or Citizens Advice.
What is the difference between NHS and private care pay?
NHS roles use Agenda for Change pay bands (Band 2 starts ~GBP 23,615/year) and include benefits like 27+ days leave, NHS pension, and sick pay. Private sector pay varies but is often closer to the National Living Wage. NHS roles tend to offer better overall packages.