Care worker pay in the UK: what affects your hourly rate
Updated 29 October 2026
Care pay varies a lot between providers, regions and types of role. Before you accept a job it helps to know what the minimum is, what is paid on top, and what to ask about. This guide explains the main things that affect your pay.
The legal minimum
Care workers must be paid at least the National Living Wage. From April 2026 this is £12.71 an hour for workers aged 21 and over. Lower minimum rates apply to younger workers and apprentices. Check GOV.UK for the current rates, as they usually change every April.
Many providers pay above the minimum, especially for nights, weekends, senior roles and hard-to-fill areas.
What changes your hourly rate
- The role: senior carers, team leaders and nurses earn more than entry-level carers.
- The time: many providers pay more for nights, weekends and bank holidays.
- The setting: home care, care homes, supported living and live-in care are all paid differently.
- Location: pay is usually higher in London and the South East.
- Qualifications: a Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma can lead to a higher rate or a senior role.
Home care: ask about travel time
In home care you travel between visits. By law, time spent travelling between calls counts as working time for minimum wage purposes. Ask each provider how they pay travel time and mileage, because this makes a big difference to what you actually earn per hour.
Questions to ask before you accept
- What is the hourly rate, and is it different for nights or weekends?
- Are hours guaranteed, or is it a zero-hours contract?
- How is travel time paid, and what is the mileage rate?
- Is training paid, and is the DBS check paid for?
- Is there a pay rise when I finish my Care Certificate or a diploma?
Comparing jobs
Good adverts show the pay up front. On Amica Connect providers post their pay on each job, so you can compare roles in your area before you apply.
Common questions
Do care workers get paid for travel time?
Time spent travelling between home care visits counts as working time for minimum wage purposes. How it is paid varies by provider, so ask before you accept.
Do night shifts pay more?
Often, but not always. Some providers pay a higher hourly rate for nights and weekends. The advert should say.
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