When it comes to career decisions – especially for those thinking of moving to a new area – location matters, especially in elderly care. The cost of living, availability of talent, demand from providers, and size of care settings all influence how much you could earn. Compass Associates’ 2026 Salary Report reveals just how much regional variation exists in the UK care sector.
Elderly Care regional salary data:
Here’s a snapshot of average 2026 salaries across four key roles by region in the UK:
|
Region |
Deputy Manager |
Home Manager |
Quality Manager |
Regional Manager |
|
South West & Coast |
£35,750 |
£67,750 |
£67,750 |
£79,000 |
|
London & Home Counties |
£38,875 |
£68,500 |
£74,000 |
£87,000 |
|
Midlands & Wales |
£31,771 |
£57,354 |
£60,625 |
£69,500 |
|
North West |
£37,250 |
£61,000 |
£60,050 |
£70,000 |
|
Scotland |
£35,583 |
£56,563 |
£56,500 |
£64,250 |
Which factors most impact salaries within Elderly Care?
- Cost of Living: Higher in London, reflected in higher pay for senior roles
- Home Size: Larger homes pay more, especially above 50 beds
- Role Type: Nursing care typically pays more than residential
- Demand: Hard-to-fill regions (e.g., rural Wales) often offer loyalty perks rather than higher salaries
Looking to relocate? – Read our Elderly Care regional salary report
We have produced a report which examines salaries for elderly care professionals across various functional areas, highlighting regional differences, provider ownership types, and organisation size based on the number of homes in their portfolio. This Elderly care regional salary data also includes expert commentary from Tom Berrisford, Divisional Director for UK Elderly Care at Compass Associates. With this salary data, you can make smarter decisions aligned with your lifestyle, family, and career goals.
“The best move isn’t always the highest salary. It’s the right balance of pay, location, team, and purpose.” Tom Berrisford
Download our salary benchmarking report
Looking for your next Managerial role within Elderly Care?
We have dedicated consultants in every UK region. If you’re exploring a new opportunity in a different part of the country, we can help you understand market norms, employer expectations, give advice based on your background and future aspirations, and cultural fit.