What is the highest paying job in child care?

In this blog, you will learn:

• What the highest paying job and average salaries in child care. 

• The factors that affect salaries in child care jobs. 

• How to advance your career and increase earnings in child care. 

• Where the latest children's residential home jobs are and how to apply for them.  

According to GOV.UK, in 2025, the number of children’s homes in England grew by 15% compared with the previous year, demonstrating the rising demand for residential care and vital need for experienced professionals.

A career in child care isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people. However, despite the many benefits of this career choice, supporting vulnerable individuals can be incredibly challenging. 

For this reason, salaries within child care must remain competitive and reflect the responsibilities and expectations of professionals. The good news is, there are plenty of opportunities for a child care professional to take on more responsibility and increase their salary

Throughout this blog, we’re uncovering the highest paying job in child care, the factors determining salaries and ways to advance a career, to maximise earning potential in this sector. 

What factors affect salaries in child care jobs?

Salaries in child care can differ due to a variety of factors, such as the location of a role, responsibilities involved and a person’s experience and qualifications. Seasoned professionals, with multiple years in social care, often earn a higher salary thanks to their extensive experience and ability to handle complex situations. 

The location of a childcare position can also affect salaries offered. This is due to the cost of living in different regions and the demand for child care professionals, which is especially prevalent when there is a shortage of qualified staff.

Advanced qualifications, such as a bachelors or masters degree in psychology, social work or child development, can provide individuals with specialised skills and also often lead to higher paying positions.  

The specifics of a job role and the responsibilities entailed can also determine the salary. For example, leadership positions or those that involve increased responsibility often come with a higher salary to match what is expected of professionals. 

What is the highest paying job in child care?

In residential child care, the highest paying role is typically a Registered Home Manager.

This role carries the most responsibility within a children’s home and involves overseeing the day to day running of the home, leading staff and managing budgets.

A Registered Home Manager is also responsible for ensuring compliance with Ofsted and local authorities regulations and maintaining high standards of care. 

On average, a Registered Home Manager earns £53,618 per year. Many Registered Home Managers also hold specialist qualifications, such as a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, which generally justifies a higher salary. 

Depending on the children’s home, its location and the experience of a professional, salaries can exceed £60,000 per year.

How can professionals advance their career and increase earnings in child care?

Advancing in a child care career and increasing earnings often means taking on more responsibility, completing additional training qualifications and developing specialised skills through experience. Many people start as Residential Support Workers and transition into senior leadership positions over time. 

This progression typically includes obtaining a Level 3 qualification in Residential Childcare, followed by a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare.

These qualifications will equip professionals with the required skills for more senior positions and therefore allow them to maximise earning potential. 

Taking on additional responsibilities such as training new staff, supporting care planning and leading shifts, demonstrates leadership ability and helps to build the experience needed for progressing into better-paid roles.

What are the average salaries for child care jobs in the UK? 

The average annual salaries for child care jobs in the UK are:

• Residential Support Worker - £22,000 to £30,000.

• Senior Support Worker - £24,000 to £29,000.

• Team Leader - £30,518 to £33,699.

• Deputy Manager - £37,500 to £40,000.

• Registered Home Manager - £53,618 to £60,000.

Children's residential home recruitment specialists

As specialist recruiters, we support children's residential homes nationwide with their temporary, interim and permanent staffing needs. We supply experienced professionals across multiple roles including support workers, team leaders and registered managers to ensure safe, high-quality care for children and young people.

If you're struggling to recruit the right talent, simply request a call back and one of our experienced recruiters will contact you to discuss how we can help. 

Looking for your next children's residential home job? Either search the latest jobs or upload your CV and one of our consultants will be in touch when a suitable opportunity arises.