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SOC 6129 Caring personal service occupations

Animal care services occupations n.e.c. Salary

Median salary £23,345 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

About this role

Animal care services occupations n.e.c. provide personal care, practical assistance and emotional support to people who need help with daily living due to age, illness, disability or other circumstances. They work in residential care homes, supported living, domiciliary care or hospital settings.

Key responsibilities

  • Assisting with personal care including washing, dressing and feeding
  • Supporting daily living activities and promoting independence
  • Monitoring wellbeing and reporting changes in condition
  • Administering medication under supervision where trained
  • Maintaining accurate care records and contributing to care plans

Qualifications and entry routes

No formal qualifications are always required, but the Care Certificate is expected within 12 weeks of starting. NVQ/Diploma Level 2/3 in Health and Social Care is the progression standard. DBS check is mandatory.

Career outlook

Severe workforce crisis with over 150,000 vacancies sector-wide. Pay improvements and career pathway development are ongoing priorities.

Key skills

Compassion and empathy Communication Patience Physical stamina Observation and reporting

Common industries

  • Residential care homes
  • Domiciliary care
  • NHS
  • Supported living
  • Mental health services

Data coverage

SOC code 6129
Data source ONS ASHE
Years available 2021–2025
Estimated jobs 25,000

Median Salary

£23,345

Mean Salary

£21,340

Jobs (000s)

25k

Data Years

5 years

Salary Range (2025)

P25: £13,556Median: £23,345P75: £26,372
P10: £10kP25: £14kMedian: £23kP75: £26kP90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Entry Level

£9,962

0-2 years

Mid Level

£13,556

3-7 years

Senior

£26,372

8-15 years

Potential career growth: +165% from entry to leadership

Salary Trend (2021-2025)

Nominal growth: +38.5%Real growth: +12.3%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Gender pay gap: 9.3%

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£23,345

Full-time Only

£25,067

Full-time premium: +£1,722