A support worker's vital role is to assist individuals with their physical or mental health issues. The needs of the individual could be anything from epilepsy or dementia to more severe physical needs. A support worker will help them live their daily lives filled with friendship and positive experiences. Let’s discuss what compensation these remarkable individuals receive for their invaluable work.
Pay rates can be based on multiple factors – full-time vs part-time, specialised roles and private vs public sector – to name a few. A support worker's salary can be by the hour or on a contract with an annual salary (usually paid monthly), with the type of contract also influencing pay. All our figures are averages, but currently, the average NHS base salary per hour is £12.98. In the private sector, wages vary from £10 per hour at entry level to more than £15+ for a more experienced role.
The range of influencing factors in support workers’ salaries includes:
Experience and Qualifications – Salaries and level of experience should correspond and grow together, with more experienced support workers demanding higher pay. Qualifications in relevant areas, like care, health, nursing or social care will positively impact a salary offer or raise.
Location – While London is often the highest paying city for salaries, other cities are also beginning to pay support workers more. Newcastle, Cardiff and Liverpool are all recorded as paying above average for home care workers.
Type of Employer – Whether employed by a private household, through an agency or for a public healthcare provider will impact salaries. Negotiating directly with clients or working through agencies may offer different salary structures.
Working Hours and Shifts – Full-time positions often offer a stable salary, while contracts that pay by the hour might pay a higher rate, but have less stability. If a support worker can work night shifts, the pay can be more lucrative.
The average salary sits between £19,000 and £30,000 in the UK. This is based on research we've done across sectors.
An NHS healthcare support worker typically starts on a Band 2 pay level. Which includes a generous pension scheme, 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, and increases with length of service. In the private sector, salaries can vary and can be negotiated more easily based on other work experience and sometimes union negotiations.
Those with several years service and additional qualifications can earn closer to £15.50 per hour or an annual salary of £30,000.
In London, some jobs have ‘London weighting’ meaning they have a higher salary to allow for the higher cost of living. This is reflected across the country with urban areas paying more to allow for the higher cost of living.
If you’re prepared to work for it, there are ways to increase your earnings.
If you continue to train and learn you can justify a higher wage. It can be difficult, working by day and studying at night, but it is the fastest way to accelerate your career and salary.
To get a higher-paying role involves deciding, and focusing on, a career path. If early decisions are made to specialise in an area, mental health or disability support for example, then specialist career opportunities will pay better.
A salary negotiation needs preparation. You don’t always have to accept the first figure offered. Research similar roles, reflect on your abilities and experience, and then ask for a discussion about your pay, before taking a role or promotion. Or if benefits are more important to you, you might want to focus on negotiating flexible working hours or more annual leave.
Negotiating performance-related bonuses can add to your earning potential and can sometimes be available to private sector workers.
Being a support worker is a remarkable role, and there’s a lot more to it than the salary, including:
Getting health and dental insurance can mean faster appointments, opening you up to more specialists and the peace of mind that you (and often your family) will be protected if something sudden or serious happens.
It is now a legal requirement for employers to contribute to an employee's pension fund. Understanding the percentage contribution is essential, as the difference between 3-5% over a long period is considerable.
A full-time employee's standard holiday entitlement is 28 days. Sick pay and paid time off for mitigating circumstances are often considered and will be part of a company's offer. If you are working for a private client ensure these details are arranged before starting work.
Register with Social Care People today
Although some of the figures provided in this article are estimates (based on our research in July 2024), we can help you find accurate salary information and relevant opportunities on request. For a clear idea of salaries today check our job listings. Or register with Social Care People and we’ll help you find your perfect role in care.
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