Health and Social Care

The health and social care sector focuses on providing physical, emotional and social support services to help support people’s health and wellbeing.

Careers in Health and Social Care

Health and Social Care is a rewarding sector with lots of different career opportunities. It is a great place to work if you enjoy helping people, learning new skills, and making a positive difference. You could work as a nurse, doctor, therapist, social worker, researcher or in office support roles. Whatever role you choose, you can make a real difference by helping people live healthier, happier, and more independent lives.

Person working with elderly residents.
Image credit: Unsplash
Salary Information

How much can you earn working in Health and Social Care?

Health and Social Care offers a range of entry-level jobs that can help you gain experience and build new skills. As you learn and develop, you may have the chance to move into more senior roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.

Salary ranges are based on job adverts from August 2026 and can vary depending on experience, qualifications, employer, and location. It may take time to gain the skills and experience needed to progress to the next career level and salary range.

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Entry Level roles may range from £15,500 to £27,500 a year.
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Intermediate roles may range from £30,000 to £38,000 a year.
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Advanced roles may range from £40,000 to £131,000 a year.
Careers in Health and Social Care

View a variety of jobs

Discover the different careers available in health and social care, from nursing and care work, to doctors, therapists, and leadership jobs. Click on the job profiles below to find out what each role involves, the skills you need, and the steps you can take to progress.

Entry Level
Care Worker

Salary: £20,000 to £25,000

Entry Level
Health Records Clerk

Salary: £25,000 to £31,000

Entry
Pharmacy Assistant

Salary: £24,000 to £31,000

Intermediate
Mental Health Nurse

Salary: £32,000 to £48,000

Intermediate
Paramedic

Salary: £32,000 to £48,000

Intermediate
Biomedical Scientist

Salary: £30,000 to £53,000

Advanced
Doctor

Salary: £40,000 to £145,000

Advanced
Dentist

Salary: £55,000 to £117,000

Advanced
General Practitioner (GP)

Salary: £79,000 to £119,000

Self-Employed
Counsellor

Salary: £25,000 to £48,000

Self-Employed
Nutritionist

Salary: £32,000 to £48,000

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Careers in health and social care: What you need to know

Looking for a career that really makes a difference? The health and social care sector is filled with career opportunities, with multiple ways to get started. Hear from real people and find out more about how you can start your career in this meaningful industry.

Local Learning Opportunities

Find Your Next Step

Check out our Skills Connect Directory for a list of opportunities and places to train in your region to help you kick start your career in health and social care.

View Opportunities

Top Skills

  • Attention to Detail: Checking information carefully to ensure safe and effective care.
  • Verbal Communication: Speaking clearly with service users, families and colleagues.
  • Digital Skills: Using digital systems to record information and support care delivery.
  • Teamwork: Working well with others to provide high-quality care and support.
  • Active Listening: Understanding people's needs, concerns and preferences.
  • Organisation: Managing appointments, records and day-to-day responsibilities.
  • Problem-solving: Finding appropriate solutions to support people's wellbeing.
  • Time Management: Prioritising tasks and providing support when it is needed most.
  • Care Planning: Creating and following plans that support individual needs and goals.
  • Safeguarding: Protecting children and adults from harm, abuse or neglect.
  • Mental Health Awareness: Recognising and supporting mental health and wellbeing needs.
  • Clinical Record Keeping: Maintaining accurate and confidential records.
  • Medication Awareness: Understanding safe procedures for handling and administering medication.
  • Person-centred Care: Providing support that respects individual choices and preferences.
  • Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks and helping keep people safe.
  • Infection Prevention and Control: Following hygiene procedures to reduce the spread of illness.
  • Patient: Giving people the time and support they need.
  • Calm: Remaining composed in challenging or emotional situations.
  • Caring: Showing kindness, compassion and concern for others.
  • Empathetic: Understanding how others may feel and responding appropriately.
  • Adaptable: Responding positively to changing needs and situations.
  • Resilient: Coping well with emotionally demanding situations.
  • Trustworthy: Handling sensitive information with honesty and integrity.
  • Respectful: Treating everyone with dignity and understanding.
Green jobs

Green health and social care

Many health and social care companies are working to become more sustainable. There are green elements featured in roles including:

  • Environmental Health Practitioner - who can ensure that legal standards are met in public health.
  • Naturopath - who believe in improving clients' health through natural therapies and education about lifestyle, diet and exercise.

You can also look at our Nature Recovery job sector page, which details the importance of community development roles to enhance wellbeing through nature.

Person working in laboratory
Image credit: National Cancer Institute, Unsplash
Resources

Sector Insights Information Sheet

Use this downloadable poster to share and explore key data and insights on education, training and employment opportunities featured on this page. Designed to support informed discussions and decision-making, this summary poster can be used by students, parents, educators and careers advisers. 

View Poster

Explore More

Careers that use similar skills

If you are interested in a career in health and social care, you may also want to explore other careers that require similar skills. If you like caring for others, researching, and making a difference, you may also enjoy some of these opportunities:

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