The Midlands and Wales offer a unique combination of established care groups, rural care settings, and fast-growing regional operators. Yet these areas also face specific recruitment challenges, chief among them, how to attract care managers when salaries remain inconsistent and competition from other sectors is rising.
Compass Associates’ FY26 Salary Benchmarking Report uncovers critical salary trends and workforce insights for care managers operating across these regions.
What is an average salary for Care Managers in Midlands and Wales?
Compass Associates data shows the following average salaries for care managers in the Midlands & Wales:
- Deputy Managers: £31,771
- Home Managers: £57,354
- Quality Managers: £60,625
- Regional Managers: £69,500
These figures reflect a cross-section of residential and nursing settings, with many operators reporting higher churn in mid-management roles.
Hiring challenges for Care Managers in the Midlands & Wales:
- Inconsistent Pay Practices: Salary bands vary widely between counties, creating confusion and potential retention issues
- Travel Burdens: Managers often cover multiple homes across rural geographies without adequate support
- Talent Competition: NHS and public sector roles often offer higher stability and clearer benefits
“Providers in the Midlands and Wales are being squeezed, balancing budget constraints with the need to offer progression and purpose.” – Tom Berrisford, Divisional Director
Our recommendations for care providers
To improve hiring outcomes, providers should:
- Review internal parity for similar job roles
- Highlight non-financial benefits (flexibility, development, and similar)
- Clarify career progression during interviews
Our advice for candidates
If you’re considering a leadership move in the Midlands or Wales:
- Use benchmarking data to frame your expectations
- Ask employers how they support geographically dispersed teams
- Consider roles offering structured induction and mentorship
Looking for your next Managerial role within Elderly Care?
Compass Associates can help to consult, support, and connect you with employers who are actively investing in leadership development. If you’re ready to make a move and step-up, we’ll support you from CV refinement, to offer management and beyond. Speak to one of our specialist consultants and let us support you with your journey.
Looking to hire?
What truly sets Compass Associates apart is our commitment to long-term matches. We don’t ‘fill jobs’, we support providers to hire leaders who can shape culture, build stable teams, and raise quality standards.