The South West & South Coast region is a vibrant and growing area for elderly care, home to a mix of coastal retirement destinations, rural communities, and rapidly expanding care providers. But with strong competition for talent, providers must offer more than scenic views to attract and retain experienced leaders.
Compass Associates’ 2026 Salary Benchmarking Report offers region-specific insights to help providers make informed salary decisions and stand out to top candidates.
Elderly Care Pay Guide with regional salary benchmarks (South West & South Coast)
Our data shows the following average salary ranges for the region:
- Deputy Managers: £35,750
- Home Managers: £67,750
- Quality Managers: £67,750
- Regional Managers/Directors: £79,000
These figures reflect providers of varying sizes, from independent operators to large corporate care groups.
What is driving salary trends within Elderly Care pay?
- Rising Demand: With an ageing population and rising occupancy, demand for strong leadership is growing
- Limited Talent Pool: Candidates are often asked to commute long distances across rural and coastal areas
- Local Cost Pressures: While not as high as London, housing affordability remains a barrier to relocation
“Providers in the South West are having to get creative; offering flexibility, relocation support, and early progression pathways to stay competitive.” – Compass Associates Regional Management Consultant
Download our salary benchmarking report
Our recommendations for care providers
To stay ahead, operators in the South West should:
- Benchmark regularly against regional competitors
- Offer CPD and mentorship to attract ambitious deputies
- Include benefits that reflect local living needs (e.g. housing assistance, mileage)
Our advice for candidates
If you’re a care leader in the South West:
- Know your worth using our benchmarking data
- Consider flexibility and location when negotiating
- Ask about team size, CQC rating, and bonus structure
Looking for recruitment support?
Whether you’re opening a new service, preparing for regulatory inspection, or seeking a successor for a long-standing manager, we can help.
As Compass Associates’ longest-serving and most established division, our Elderly Care team specialises in the nationwide recruitment of senior leaders across residential care, homecare, retirement living, nursing, and clinical services.
Looking for your next role within Elderly Care?
Home Managers are the cornerstone of high-quality elderly care. From maintaining compliance and occupancy to leading staff and managing finances, it’s a role that demands dedication and delivers real impact.