Careers

21 Jul 2025

How Much Does a Care Assistant Earn?

Pay Rates and Benefits Explained

Fair pay for meaningful work

Care assistant salaries have improved significantly in recent years. Understanding current pay rates and benefits helps you make informed career decisions.

Current pay rates

With Newcross, we offer competitive pay rates for healthcare assistants, with premiums available in rural areas or for shifts at weekends, nights or some bank holidays.

Factors affecting pay

Location Rural areas typically offer higher hourly rates. The South West, Wales, and parts of Scotland often pay premium rates.

Shift patterns

At Newcross, you have the flexibility to choose the shifts you want to do. Work when you want and around your other commitments.

Choose from day or night shifts, weekend work, or bank holidays. You can usually earn a premium for working non-typical shifts.

Additional benefits to consider

Financial benefits

  • Pension contributions

  • Holiday pay

  • Mileage allowances for some shifts

Professional development

  • Fully funded training and qualifications with FuturU

  • Career progression opportunities

  • Mentoring and supervision

  • Conference and workshop attendance

Work-life balance benefits

  • Flexible scheduling options

  • Part-time and bank work available

Wellbeing support

  • Employee assistance programs

  • Mental health and wellbeing resources

  • Recognition and reward schemes

  • Social events and team building

Career progression and earning potential

Senior care assistant roles With experience, move into senior positions with additional responsibilities and higher pay.

Specialist areas Develop expertise in dementia care, learning disabilities, or mental health for premium roles.

Team leadership Progress to team leader, supervisor, or coordinator positions with management responsibilities.

Further qualifications Complete Level 3 diplomas or degree courses to access registered roles like nursing or social work.

What affects your take-home pay

Tax and National Insurance Standard deductions apply, though care workers may be eligible for certain allowances.

Pension contributions Auto-enrolment in workplace pensions, with employer contributions adding to your total package value.

Travel considerations Some employers provide vehicles or generous mileage rates. Factor in travel costs when comparing opportunities.

Why invest in a care career

Beyond immediate pay, care offers job security, personal satisfaction, and genuine career progression opportunities. The sector continues growing, with increasing recognition of care workers' value.

Competitive packages at Newcross We offer competitive rates, comprehensive benefits, and clear progression paths because we value our care assistants' contribution.

Ready to explore your earning potential? Discover current vacancies in your area and see what you could earn as a care assistant.

Search Care Assistant Jobs by Location →

Say hello 👋

We’d love to hear from you.

Whatever your enquiry, our team is ready to assist. From care services and partnership opportunities to media requests and general questions - simply fill in the form below and we'll get back to you promptly.

Say hello 👋

We’d love to hear from you.

Whatever your enquiry, our team is ready to assist. From care services and partnership opportunities to media requests and general questions - simply fill in the form below and we'll get back to you promptly.

Say hello 👋

We’d love to hear from you.

Whatever your enquiry, our team is ready to assist. From care services and partnership opportunities to media requests and general questions - simply fill in the form below and we'll get back to you promptly.