Summary
- Average Salary: The typical rate is £13.00 to £14.00 per hour
- Key Duty: You are responsible for giving medication and leading the shift
- Qualifications: Most employers require a Level 2 Diploma and willingness to study Level 3
Career & Jobs
A Senior Care Worker is a senior healthcare professional who leads shifts, administers medication, and supervises care assistants. You provide personal care to residents but you also have extra responsibilities. You hold the keys to the medication trolley and you direct other care staff during the shift. You act as the link between the management team and the care assistants.
The salary for a Senior Care Worker is between £26,500 and £29,500 per year.
| Employer Type | Hourly Rate | Yearly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Private Care Home | £13.00 to £14.50 | £26,500 to £29,500 |
| NHS Band 3 | £12.80 to £13.50 | £24,937 to £26,598 |
| Agency Senior | £16.00 to £22.00 | Variable |
The pay increase from a standard care worker is often small. It is usually around 50p to £1.00 more per hour. However this role is a necessary step if you want to become a manager in the future. See our career progression guide for the full path to team leader and beyond.
The main duties of a Senior Care Worker are medication administration, care planning, admissions, and staff supervision.
There is no legal requirement to have a qualification before you start. However almost all employers expect the following.
We will search for you.
Offered me Senior Lead! Finally off minimum wage after 3 years.
Got the job. £1.20/hr rise AND it's a 10 min walk.
Got the Senior role. £2/hr rise. Crying actual tears rn.
Finally starting my NVQ next month!!
First Saturday off in 8 months. Actually took my kids to the park.
Was scared to leave after 6 years. Should've done it sooner.
Offered me Senior Lead! Finally off minimum wage after 3 years.
Got the job. £1.20/hr rise AND it's a 10 min walk.
Got the Senior role. £2/hr rise. Crying actual tears rn.
Finally starting my NVQ next month!!
First Saturday off in 8 months. Actually took my kids to the park.
Was scared to leave after 6 years. Should've done it sooner.
Didn't skip a break once this week. First time in years.
My back already feels better. No more 12-hour shifts without a sit down.
Manager literally told me to go take my break. Nearly fell over.
Called in sick and didn't get guilt tripped. Wild.
Got the exact shifts I asked for. Didn't think that was possible.
My new manager actually listens. Still in shock tbh.
Didn't skip a break once this week. First time in years.
My back already feels better. No more 12-hour shifts without a sit down.
Manager literally told me to go take my break. Nearly fell over.
Called in sick and didn't get guilt tripped. Wild.
Got the exact shifts I asked for. Didn't think that was possible.
My new manager actually listens. Still in shock tbh.
Offered me Senior Lead! Finally off minimum wage after 3 years.
Got the job. £1.20/hr rise AND it's a 10 min walk.
Got the Senior role. £2/hr rise. Crying actual tears rn.
Finally starting my NVQ next month!!
First Saturday off in 8 months. Actually took my kids to the park.
Was scared to leave after 6 years. Should've done it sooner.
Didn't skip a break once this week. First time in years.
My back already feels better. No more 12-hour shifts without a sit down.
Manager literally told me to go take my break. Nearly fell over.
Called in sick and didn't get guilt tripped. Wild.
Got the exact shifts I asked for. Didn't think that was possible.
My new manager actually listens. Still in shock tbh.
Written by
PlainSight Team
Care Home Career Specialists