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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Support Professional in Arkansas is $31,995 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $15.
However, a Direct Support Professional's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Direct Support Professional Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $34,259 | $2,855 | $659 | $16 |
| Average | $31,995 | $2,666 | $615 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,790 | $2,482 | $573 | $14 |
EASTERSEALS ARKANSAS - Little Rock, AR
8900 JFK, LLC - Little Rock, AR
Prosper Community Care Services - Jonesboro, AR
Prosper Community Care Services - Van Buren, AR
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 | $31,829 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $28,721 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $34,529 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $38,538 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $38,587 |
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:
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 Professional 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 Professional positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Direct Support Professional as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $38,394 | $18.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $34,259 | $2,855 | $659 | $16 |
| Average | $31,995 | $2,666 | $615 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,790 | $2,482 | $573 | $14 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Direct Support Professional job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Independent Case Management, Inc. (ICM)
Fort Smith, AR
Independent Case Management, Inc. (ICM) | Fort Smith, AR
Job Description. Job Description. The DSP assists our customers (persons with developmental disabilities) with daily living activities at the person’s home... more
3 Days Ago
1621 E 42 LLC
Little Rock, AR
1621 E 42 LLC | Little Rock, AR
Job Description. Job Description. Direct Support Professional. Our Mission is to support life transformations of the people we serve by promoting new oppor... more
4 Days Ago
Evergreen Life Services
Batesville, AR
Evergreen Life Services | Batesville, AR
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Company parties. Flexible schedule. Opportunity for advancement. Training & development. Tuition assistance. Ev... more
4 Days Ago
Independent Case Management, Inc. (ICM)
Little Rock, AR
Independent Case Management, Inc. (ICM) | Little Rock, AR
Job Description. Job Description. The DSP assists our customers (persons with developmental disabilities) with daily living activities at the person’s home... more
5 Days Ago
Independent Case Management, Inc. (ICM)
Batesville, AR
Independent Case Management, Inc. (ICM) | Batesville, AR
Job Description. Job Description. The DSP assists our customers (persons with developmental disabilities) with daily living activities at the person’s home... more
5 Days Ago
A First Name Basis
Berryville, AR
A First Name Basis | Berryville, AR
At A First Name Basis In-Home Care LLC, we believe in providing care that feels like family.We are looking for dedicated caregivers who want to make a diff... more
6 Days Ago
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