It’s time to evaluate the salary of a caregiver Living in South Sudan in comparison to the services rendered. In South Sudan, caregiving often happens in the background usually unnoticed, uncelebrated, but always necessary. It’s the woman helping an elderly widow bathe and eat in a small hut outside Juba. It’s the young man walking long distances to check on a sick neighbor’s child each morning. These caregivers aren’t in fancy uniforms, there’s no name badge, no clock-in system and in many cases, there’s barely a salary just a quiet agreement, and a whole lot of responsibility.
You won’t find many formal job ads for caregivers in South Sudan. Much of the work is informal passed through word of mouth, trusted referrals, or sometimes simply out of community obligation. And because of that, the pay isn’t just inconsistent, it’s often undefined. Some caregivers are given a small monthly payment. Others are “paid” with meals, leftover goods, or shelter. A few earn enough to get by. Most, frankly, do not.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no structure at all. In urban areas like Juba or Wau, caregivers hired by NGOs, private clinics, or well-off households can earn a modest, stable income. Meanwhile, in rural regions, where cash is scarce and jobs are limited, caregiving is more about survival and compassion than income.
So, what’s the real picture? What does a caregiver in South Sudan actually take home each month? Is there hope for better pay, or is the system simply too stretched to support those who do the caring?
This article explores those questions with no sugar-coating. We’ll look at the range of caregiver salaries, the major challenges shaping their income, and the quiet strength it takes to care in a place where even getting paid is uncertain.
How Much Do Caregivers Earn in South Sudan?
When it comes to caregiver pay in South Sudan, there’s no official chart or standard salary scale to look up. Most of the work happens informally, so the amount a caregiver earns depends on who hires them, where they’re located, and what kind of tasks they take on.
1. Informal, Home-Based Caregivers (Most Common): In small towns or rural areas, caregivers hired directly by families often earn between 15,000 to 35,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) per month that’s roughly $15 to $35 USD, depending on the arrangement. Some don’t receive cash at all they might be compensated with meals, shelter, or leftover goods, especially if they live with the family.
2. Urban Caregivers (e.g., Juba or Wau): In cities, caregivers working for better-off families, NGOs, or private employers might earn between 50,000 and 100,000 SSP/month (around $50 to $100 USD). These jobs are rare, but they do exist, especially when more technical support or live-in service is required.
3. Caregivers Employed by NGOs or Clinics: In rare cases where caregiving roles are offered through international NGOs, humanitarian groups, or clinics, caregivers might earn anywhere from $100 to $200 USD/month. These roles may include more structured hours and basic health training. They’re better paid, but extremely competitive and often short-term.
Is That Enough to Live On?
Honestly for many caregivers, it’s not. With rising food prices and high transport costs, even earning 50,000 SSP a month can feel like trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it. That is why many caregivers take on other small jobs like selling items at the market, washing clothes, or even doing part-time labor just to survive.
See also: Visa Sponsorship jobs in South Sudanfor foreigners
What Determines a Caregiver’s Salary in South Sudan?
In South Sudan, there’s no fixed rulebook for how much a caregiver should earn. The money a person makes in this role can swing widely and it’s not just about the work itself. A lot of it comes down to who you know, where you work, and what the family can afford. Let’s break down the biggest factors that shape caregiver salaries:
1. Who Hires You Matters a Lot: If you’re working for a local family in a village, chances are you’ll be paid very little or not at all in cash. Some people simply can’t afford to pay much, even if they’re grateful. But if your employer is an international worker, an NGO staff member, or someone from a well-off household in Juba, the pay could be far more stable and fair.
2. Urban or Rural Divide: In the city, people are more likely to pay a set monthly wage. They may also expect you to follow a schedule and stick to specific tasks. In rural communities, caregiving often blurs into general house help and the pay is lower, if there’s pay at all. Often, the arrangement includes food or a place to sleep instead of proper wages.
3. The Type of Care You Provide: Basic tasks like helping someone eat or bathe may come with minimal pay. But if you’re expected to handle medication, support someone with limited mobility, or stay overnight, your value should go up. Sadly, not all families recognize that added value, especially if you don’t push for better terms.
4. Experience and Trust: In South Sudan, trust is currency. If you’re known in your community for being reliable, kind, and honest, people are more likely to recommend you and that often leads to better-paying opportunities. Formal experience might be rare, but reputation carries real weight.
5. Your Willingness to Speak Up: Many caregivers are too afraid to ask for more. But in situations where the job expands or shifts, negotiating your pay is important. Employers often won’t offer more unless you raise the conversation gently but firmly.
6. Whether You Live In or Out: Live-in caregivers may not pay for rent or meals, but they often earn less cash. On the flip side, live-out caregivers have more freedom and sometimes earn slightly more though they also cover transport and food from their own pocket.
Challenges Faced by Caregivers in South Sudan
In South Sudan, caregiving isn’t just hard work, it’s a job that often comes with more weight than reward. While many do it out of necessity or compassion, the truth is, caregivers here face unique and difficult challenges that aren’t always talked about. These are some of the everyday struggles that come with the role:
1. Payment That’s Often Uncertain: One of the biggest issues caregivers face is simply not knowing when or if they’ll be paid. Many work without contracts, and some are promised money that never comes. Others are told they’ll be paid “when there’s money,” which might mean waiting weeks or even months.
2. No Job Security: Because most caregiver roles in South Sudan are informal, there’s no such thing as job stability. A caregiver can be replaced overnight or let go without warning. There’s usually no notice, no severance, no protection. One disagreement or family emergency can mean you’re suddenly out of work.
3. Physical Exhaustion: From lifting adults to walking long distances to and from work, caregiving here is physically draining. And since many caregivers can’t afford proper footwear, food, or rest, the exhaustion builds up fast yet they keep going because they have no choice.
4. Emotional Burnout: Caring for the sick, elderly, or people with disabilities takes a lot of emotional energy. When you do it every day, without support, it starts to wear you down. But since caregivers are expected to stay “strong” and “kind,” many hide how tired or overwhelmed they actually feel.
5. Limited Training or Support: Most caregivers in South Sudan learn on the job. There are very few places to get training, and most can’t afford it even if it exists. This means many caregivers are figuring things out as they go, often with no guidance on how to handle serious medical or emotional needs.
6. Being Undervalued or Looked Down On: Sadly, some people still see caregiving as “low work,” especially when it involves cleaning, bathing others, or doing what’s seen as domestic chores. This can make caregivers feel invisible even when they’re doing some of the most important work a person can do.
How Caregivers in South Sudan Can Improve Their Income
Even though the caregiving system in South Sudan is mostly informal, that doesn’t mean caregivers are stuck earning the bare minimum forever. With a little strategy, some patience, and a strong sense of self-worth, caregivers can take real steps to earn more over time. Here’s how:
1. Build a Reputation That Opens Doors: In South Sudan, formal references are rare but word-of-mouth is powerful. If you’re kind, respectful, and reliable, families will talk. A good reputation in your community can lead to better offers, more stable employers, and long-term work. Sometimes, being “that caregiver people trust” is more valuable than any piece of paper.
2. Don’t Undersell Yourself: When someone asks how much you charge, avoid answering with “anything you can give.” That makes it easy for employers to offer very little. Instead, set a simple, fair price range based on your duties. It shows confidence and helps people take your work seriously.
3. Offer Extra Skills: You don’t need a degree to stand out. Learning small things like how to prepare healthy meals for the elderly, how to lift someone safely, or how to manage common illnesses can set you apart. If you’re able to provide extra value, you have every right to ask for better pay.
4. Take Short jobs: If long-term jobs are slow to come, consider part-time or short-term caregiving. Helping for just a few hours a day with different families might not sound like much, but it can add up and reduce the risk of being stuck in one low-paying role.
5. Align With Health Centers or Local NGOs: It’s not always easy, but if you can connect with a clinic, church health outreach, or NGO, it may lead to more formal caregiver roles. These organizations sometimes need people to support patients in their homes, and they tend to offer more stable payment terms.
6. Learn to Speak Up: If your job description has grown, your hours are longer, or you’re being asked to do more than agreed, don’t stay silent. You don’t have to be rude, but you can respectfully ask. Speaking up is hard but staying silent keeps you stuck.
Mistakes to Avoid When Taking a Caregiver Job in South Sudan
Caregiving can be meaningful, but in South Sudan, it’s also easy to get stuck in roles that drain more than they give. Many caregivers make simple mistakes often out of desperation or fear that leave them underpaid, overworked, or even mistreated. Here are some key things to watch out for:
1. Accepting the Job Without Asking the Right Questions: Some caregivers jump into a role just to “start earning.” But if you don’t ask what your daily duties are, who you’ll be caring for, or how long the hours are, you may be in for more than you expected. Clarify everything before you say yes.
2. Working Without Any Agreement at All: Even if it’s just a text message or voice note, get the basics written down. Verbal promises are easy to forget or deny. A simple message outlining your payment, duties, and schedule gives you something to refer back to if issues come up later.
3. Letting Guilt Replace Boundaries: Many caregivers are kind-hearted, so they keep saying “yes” to extra tasks. But the more you take on without pay, the harder it is to ask for more later. Don’t feel guilty for drawing a line, you’re offering a service, not signing up to be everything at once.
4. Ignoring Early Red Flags: If your employer is rude during the interview, refuses to talk about pay, or brushes off your questions, that’s a warning sign. Don’t ignore it just because you need the job. Those same issues will likely grow worse once you start working.
5. Keeping Quiet About Late Payments: When an employer delays your pay once, it might be a genuine issue. But if it becomes a pattern, you have to speak up. Waiting silently can lead to months of unpaid work.
6. Doing It All Alone: Some caregivers try to handle everything by themselves, even when it gets overwhelming. But in South Sudan, community matters. Talk to other caregivers. Share advice. You might find out about better job options or just feel less alone in the struggle.
Tips for First-Time Caregivers in South Sudan
Starting your first caregiving job can feel overwhelming especially in a country where the work is often informal, expectations are unclear, and support is limited. But don’t worry. With the right mindset and a few smart habits, you can grow into the role with confidence and avoid many common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you start strong:
1. Ask Questions Before You Start: It’s not rude, it’s smart. Find out who you’ll be caring for, what kind of help is expected, how many hours you’ll work, and what the payment plan is. This helps you walk in prepared and sets the tone for healthy communication.
2. Start with Kindness, But Set Limits Early: Yes, caregiving is about compassion. But if you start saying “yes” to everything like extra chores, longer hours, weekend work, people may assume that’s just part of the deal. Be kind, but make sure your boundaries are clear from day one.
3. Keep a Small Record of What You Do: You don’t need anything fancy. Just write down your hours, key tasks, and payment dates in a small notebook or on your phone. If there’s ever a misunderstanding, your notes can protect you.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up: If something doesn’t feel right like you’re being overworked, not paid, or treated unfairly, it’s okay to speak gently and honestly. You don’t have to be aggressive. Just ask for a conversation. Respect goes both ways.
5. Learn on the Job: Even if you don’t have formal training, caregiving teaches you every day. Pay attention. Ask questions when you don’t know something. If you meet a nurse or doctor while working, don’t be shy to learn from them, it could help you stand out later on.
6. Take Care of Yourself Too: This job can be physically and emotionally exhausting. So when you can, rest. Eat well. Stretch. Talk to someone you trust. You can’t pour from an empty cup, and your wellbeing matters just as much as the person you’re caring for.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, caregiving in South Sudan isn’t just about feeding someone or helping them walk, it’s about being there day after day. Quietly showing up when someone needs support the most.
But while the work is meaningful, let’s be honest, it’s not always well paid. Many caregivers are doing big work for small money, and sometimes, no money at all. That’s the reality. Still, that doesn’t mean you have to settle. Whether you’re just starting or have been in the job for years, there are ways to speak up, grow your skills, and slowly move toward better-paying opportunities.
The system isn’t perfect and change doesn’t come fast. But the work you do matters and even if the pay doesn’t always show it right away, your effort, your patience, and your heart make a real difference. So take care of others, yes but don’t forget to take care of yourself too.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
1. How much do caregivers usually earn in South Sudan?
Most caregivers in South Sudan earn between 15,000 to 35,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) per month in informal jobs. In bigger towns or through NGO-related work, the pay can go as high as 50,000 to 100,000 SSP or more though those jobs are rare.
2. Are caregivers in rural areas paid the same as those in cities?
Not really. City-based caregivers, especially in Juba, tend to earn more because the cost of living is higher and some employers have more income. In rural areas, payment is often lower or may come in the form of food or accommodation instead of cash.
3. Do caregivers get paid on time?
In many informal jobs, payment can be delayed or inconsistent. Some caregivers are paid monthly, others weekly, and a few are not paid at all unless they follow up repeatedly.
4. Can I negotiate my salary as a caregiver?
Yes, and you should. Don’t be afraid to politely ask for better pay especially if you’re taking on more duties or working extra hours. Many employers won’t offer more unless you bring it up.
5. Is there any formal contract for caregivers?
Not usually. Most caregiving jobs in South Sudan are verbal agreements, especially when hired by individuals or families. But it’s smart to at least get a few things written down even if it’s just a message or a voice note confirming your duties and payment.
6. Do live-in caregivers earn more?
Live-in caregivers usually earn less in cash, but they get meals and a place to sleep. Live-out caregivers may earn slightly more money but have to cover their own transport and food.
7. Can caregivers in South Sudan work for NGOs?
Yes, but those jobs are very limited and competitive. NGOs and health centers sometimes hire caregivers for short-term projects, and they tend to pay better than private households.
8. Are there any training programs for caregivers in South Sudan?
Training options are very limited, especially outside major towns. Most caregivers learn on the job. However, some church groups, local clinics, or NGOs occasionally offer basic care training, so it’s worth asking around.
9. What should I ask before accepting a caregiving job?
Ask about:
- The person you’ll be caring for
- Your daily tasks
- How many hours you’ll work
- Your payment amount and date
- Whether food, transport, or accommodation is included
Getting this clear early saves stress later.
10. Is caregiving in South Sudan a long-term career?
It can be, but it depends on how you approach it. Building a good name, learning new skills, and knowing your worth can help you grow into better-paying roles even if it starts slow.
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