As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Direct Support Professional in the United States is $36,550 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Direct Support Professional's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Direct Support Professional's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Direct Support Professional's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Direct Su... Level Direct Support Professional | $36,518 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $32,958 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $39,572 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $44,149 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $44,224 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Direct Support Professionals. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.83% |
| Medication Administration | 5.59% |
| Service Quality | 3.86% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Social Work
|
$40,936 |
12%
|
|
Leadership
|
$39,840 |
9%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$38,378 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$38,012 |
4%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$38,012 |
4%
|
|
Coaching
|
$38,012 |
4%
|
Understanding how a Direct Support Professional's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Salaries for a Direct Support Professional can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $41,368 in 2023 to around $41,209 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Direct Support Professional salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $41,368 |
| 2024 | $41,583 |
| 2025 | $41,209 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Direct Support Professional and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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