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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Support Specialist in Iowa is $33,207 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.
However, a Direct Support Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Direct Support Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $35,467 | $2,956 | $682 | $17 |
| Average | $33,207 | $2,767 | $639 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,655 | $2,555 | $590 | $15 |
Vera French Community Mental Health Center - Davenport, IA
North Star Community Services - Vinton, IA
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF NORTHEAST IOWA, INC. - Decorah, IA
Community Options, Inc. - Council Bluffs, IA
A Direct Support Specialist'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 Specialist'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 Specialist | $33,738 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Specialist | $30,443 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Specialist | $36,600 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Specialist | $40,849 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Specialist | $40,902 |
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 Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Direct Support Specialist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Direct Support Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Direct Support Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $39,848 | $19.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Direct Support Specialist'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $35,467 | $2,956 | $682 | $17 |
| Average | $33,207 | $2,767 | $639 | $16 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,655 | $2,555 | $590 | $15 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Direct Support Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Optimae LifeServices
Centerville, IA
Optimae LifeServices | Centerville, IA
Optimae values diversity and we encourage everybody, including those from traditionally overlooked identity groups, to apply. Optimae LifeServices in Cente... more
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Optimae LifeServices
Keokuk, IA
Optimae LifeServices | Keokuk, IA
Optimae values diversity and we encourage everybody, including those from traditionally overlooked identity groups, to apply. JOB SUMMARY The Direct Suppor... more
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Optimae LifeServices
Bloomfield, IA
Optimae LifeServices | Bloomfield, IA
Optimae LifeServices in Bloomfield is looking for Direct Support Professional Staff.Applicants should possess a willingness and desire to work with people ... more
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CIRCLE CITY ABA OF IOWA
Johnston, IA
CIRCLE CITY ABA OF IOWA | Johnston, IA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Are you a dedicated DSP looking for a new opportunity to grow your career and make a meaningful impact. Join... more
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American Baptist Homes of the Midwest
Mason City, IA
American Baptist Homes of the Midwest | Mason City, IA
Job Description. Job Description. . Direct Support Professional (DSP) | PRN Flexible Schedule | $17.00/hr. Crest Services | Minnesota. Start a rewarding ca... more
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CIRCLE CITY ABA OF IOWA
Ankeny, IA
CIRCLE CITY ABA OF IOWA | Ankeny, IA
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