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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Support Professional in New Jersey is $38,388 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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Direct Support Professional Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $41,104 | $3,425 | $790 | $20 |
| Average | $38,388 | $3,199 | $738 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,742 | $2,978 | $687 | $17 |
ASG Home Care - Bellmawr, NJ
Sevita - Oak Ridge, NJ
River Home Care - Old Bridge, NJ
Alay Home Care - Toms River, NJ
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 | $38,188 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $34,459 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $41,428 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $46,238 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $46,297 |
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 | $46,066 | $22.0 | 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 | $41,104 | $3,425 | $790 | $20 |
| Average | $38,388 | $3,199 | $738 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,742 | $2,978 | $687 | $17 |
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.
Royal Community Support
Clinton, NJ
Royal Community Support | Clinton, NJ
Are you looking to help others. Do you want a job with career advancement opportunities. Then Royal Community Support might be the right fit for you.Royal ... more
2 Days Ago
Alay Home Care
Absecon, NJ
Alay Home Care | Absecon, NJ
Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Caregivers Alay Home Care is seeking Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) and Caregivers to provide direct care, beh... more
2 Days Ago
Kindly Direct Care
Manahawkin, NJ
Kindly Direct Care | Manahawkin, NJ
COME JOIN OUR GREAT TEAM. INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY YOU DONT WANT TO MISS. COME WORK FOR US AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO. Great Pay:$18-$25 Morning Hours. Join our te... more
6 Days Ago
Community Options, Inc.
Middletown, NJ
Community Options, Inc. | Middletown, NJ
Description Community Options, Inc.is a national non-profit agency providing services to individuals with disabilities in 12 states.We are Now Hiring Full-... more
6 Days Ago
Sevita
Buena, NJ
Sevita | Buena, NJ
REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Her... more
6 Days Ago
Sevita
Bridgewater, NJ
Sevita | Bridgewater, NJ
REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Her... more
6 Days Ago
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