This article explores the care economy with a particular focus on social work and related sectors. It examines the economic domain of personal services within the wage-earning workforce and takes an intersectional perspective. As can be shown men and non-German individuals are notably underrepresented in these helping occupations. A significant aspect of these occupations is the disparity between the importance of the work and the inadequate remuneration. The article addresses the precarious employment conditions prevalent in this field and investigates the associated issues of compensation. Additionally, it analyses the dynamics of exclusion and inclusion as influenced by wage structures. The discussion begins with a conceptual framework encompassing intersectionality, care, and precarity, followed by an examination of the mixed-methods approach employed in the research. This approach incorporates guided interviews as well as data from the Federal Employment Agency, which are analysed. The article concludes by suggesting perspectives to overcome the current situation.