What care assistants, support workers, social workers, and care home managers earn across residential, domiciliary, and community care in Northern Ireland — junior to lead, by role.
Social care is one of Northern Ireland's largest and fastest-growing employment sectors, spanning residential care homes, domiciliary (home) care, community support, and statutory social work across the five HSC trusts. Persistent recruitment and retention pressure — especially in domiciliary and residential care — has pushed starting pay upward in recent years.
The figures below reflect typical gross annual salary ranges (in GBP) for social care roles advertised in Northern Ireland, drawn from live listings on NIjobsearch and the wider NI care sector. Weekend, night, and sleep-in shift enhancements often add to the base ranges shown, and many domiciliary roles are paid hourly rather than as an annual salary.
| Role | Level | Salary Range | Typical Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Care Assistant | Junior | £20,000 – £23,500 | £21,500 |
| Domiciliary Care Worker | Junior | £20,000 – £23,000 | £21,500 |
| Support Worker | Junior | £20,500 – £25,000 | £22,500 |
| Senior Care Assistant | Mid | £22,000 – £26,000 | £24,000 |
| Family Support Worker | Mid | £23,000 – £29,000 | £26,000 |
| Newly Qualified Social Worker | Junior | £29,000 – £33,000 | £31,000 |
| Experienced Social Worker | Mid | £33,000 – £42,000 | £37,000 |
| Deputy Manager (Residential Care) | Mid | £26,000 – £33,000 | £29,500 |
| Registered Care Home Manager | Senior | £34,000 – £46,000 | £40,000 |
| Team Manager / Senior Practitioner | Senior | £42,000 – £52,000 | £47,000 |
| Head of Social Care / Service Manager | Lead | £48,000 – £65,000 | £55,000 |
A care assistant in Northern Ireland typically earns between £20,000 and £23,500 a year, averaging around £21,500. Senior care assistants and those with NVQ Level 3 typically average closer to £24,000.
A newly qualified social worker in Northern Ireland typically earns between £29,000 and £33,000, averaging around £31,000. Experienced and senior social workers average around £37,000, with team manager and senior practitioner roles averaging £47,000.
Yes — sustained recruitment and retention pressure across domiciliary care, residential care, and social work has pushed starting pay upward in recent years, with many providers now offering enhanced rates for weekend, night, and sleep-in shifts to attract staff.
NVQ/QCF Level 2 and 3 qualifications typically unlock higher pay bands for care assistants and support workers, while a recognised social work degree and NISCC registration are required for qualified social worker roles, which pay significantly more than unqualified care roles.
Browse live care assistant, support worker, and social work jobs across Northern Ireland.