Care Worker
Support older or disabled people with daily life - in their homes or care settings.
This UK care worker career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £20,000 - £24,000
- Mid-career salary
- £24,000 - £28,000
- Senior salary
- £28,000 - £35,000 (senior carer)
- Work environment
- Care home or service users' homes; shifts
- Time to entry
- 0 - 3 months
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Healthcare and Care
What a Care Worker does
Support older or disabled people with daily life - in their homes or care settings.
- Domiciliary Carer - Visit people in their own homes to provide care.
- Care Home Worker - Provide round-the-clock care in residential settings.
How to become a Care Worker
- Look up Care Worker roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Care Worker - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Compassion
- Patience
- Reliability
- Practical skills