Houseparents and residential wardens Pay Data UK — 2025

Houseparents and residential wardens roles in the UK earn a median of £30,141 per year, equivalent to £15.58 per hour as of 2025. This represents a 2.9% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £21,837 to £48,201 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Houseparents and residential wardens roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Houseparents and residential wardens

Houseparents and residential wardens are responsible for the care and supervision of children, young people and the elderly within residential homes, schools or their own homes. An essential requirement of their work is that they reside with those for whom they are providing support.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• creates friendly, secure atmosphere and tries to gain the trust and confidence of those in the home or under supervision
• plans and participates in games and leisure activities to encourage emotional, social, physical and intellectual development
• ensures that all material needs of residents are provided and endeavours to resolve any problems that they may have
• ensures that students attend school regularly
• manage the household (domestic duties)
• may provide one-to-one counselling or group therapy
• establishes and maintains contact with members of the neighbouring community and/or the residents’ family and friends
• maintains contact and discusses problems/progress with other staff and social workers
• keeps records and writes reports

Entry Routes and Qualifications

There are no formal academic entry requirements. In most cases workers will hold or be working towards the appropriate qualification for the job. Entrants must typically be 18 years old and have experience of working in a care environment. Both Off and on-the-job training is available. A wide range of qualifications including NVQs/SVQs covering various aspects of care are available. Background checks including an enhanced DBS check, CPR and first aid certifications are likely to be required.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.