Agency HCA Pay Rates Northern Ireland 2026 | Earn More with Leadcare Recruitment
Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) play a vital role in supporting patients and keeping services running smoothly across Northern Ireland.As healthcare demand continues to rise across Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, Omagh, Newry, Ballymena, and beyond, more healthcare assistants are turning to agency work for better pay, greater flexibility, and stronger career opportunities.
If you’re considering agency work in Northern Ireland, understanding pay rates is key. Here’s a clear breakdown of what healthcare assistants can expect to earn at Leadcare Recruitment and why now is one of the best times to make the move.
How Much Do Agency HCAs Paid in Northern Ireland?
Agency HCA pay rates can vary depending on the provider, location and shift pattern. However, one thing is consistent: agency work typically pays more than permanent roles, reflecting the flexibility and demand required.
At Leadcare Recruitment, we’re proud to offer the leading pay rates for healthcare assistants in Northern Ireland, with a new enhanced structure coming into effect from Monday 27th April:
- Monday – Friday (Day): £14.25 per hour
- Monday – Friday (Night) & Saturday: £15.00 per hour
- Sunday: £16.50 per hour
- Public Holidays: £25.00 per hour
These increased rates ensure our HCAs are rewarded fairly for their skills, dedication and flexibility – especially during unsociable hours and peak demand periods.
Why Are Agency Rates Higher than Permanent Roles?
Agency roles often come with higher hourly pay for a few key reasons. They offer flexibility, allowing you to choose when and where you work, while ongoing staff shortages across healthcare settings continue to drive strong demand. You’ll also benefit from greater variety, with opportunities to work across a range of care settings in Northern Ireland and the option to pick up shifts where agencies are needed to fill urgent gaps in rotas. This means you’re not just earning more – you’re also gaining greater control over your schedule and career.
How Do Leadcare’s Pay Rates Compare?
While permanent HCA roles offer stability, they often come with lower hourly rates and less flexibility. Agency work bridges that gap – giving you the chance to maximise your earnings while maintaining a better work-life balance.
With Leadcare’s updated rates, HCAs in Northern Ireland can now earn significantly more per shift, particularly on weekends and public holidays.
Where Can You Work as an Agency HCA with Leadcare Recruitment?
Leadcare Recruitment supplies shifts across:
- Belfast
- Derry / Londonderry
- Omagh
- Ballymena
- Newry
- Coleraine
- Newtownabbey
- Northern Ireland-wide private healthcare settings
This means greater access to local opportunities while maintaining flexibilit
What Experience Do You Need?
To join Leadcare Recruitment as an agency HCA, you should ideally have:
- Minimum 6 months healthcare experience
- Relevant care or support experience
- Strong communication skills
- Reliability and flexibility
- Commitment to patient care
You can increase your weekly income, work shifts that suit your lifestyle, gain experience across different healthcare settings, and be part of a supportive, nurse-led agency.
Earn Even More with Our HCA Referral Bonus Scheme
At Leadcare, there are even more ways to boost your earnings. Our referral bonus scheme gives you the opportunity to earn £125 for every HCA you refer, with no limit on how many referrals you can make. It’s a simple way to maximise your income while helping others take advantage of the same flexible, rewarding opportunities.
We have a wide range of shifts available in private healthcare settings across Northern Ireland, giving you even more flexibility and choice over where and how you work.
We also offer additional benefits such as weekly pay, ongoing training, and a dedicated team to support you every step of the way. To read more about our benefits at Leadcare Recruitment, please click here.
Ready to Apply for Agency HCA Jobs in Northern Ireland?
There’s never been a better time to explore agency work as a healthcare assistant in Northern Ireland. With industry-leading pay rates and flexible opportunities, you can take control of your career while making a real difference to patients’ lives.
Get in touch with Leadcare Recruitment today to learn more about current vacancies and how to apply.
Give us a call on 028 7187 6515 or email info@leadcarerecruitment.com and a member of our experienced recruitment team will be happy to help you get started. Or, if you’re ready to kickstart your HCA journey at Leadcare, please click the button below to apply.
