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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Support Professional in South Dakota is $32,187 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 | $34,464 | $2,872 | $663 | $17 |
| Average | $32,187 | $2,682 | $619 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,968 | $2,497 | $576 | $14 |
Dakotabilities - Sioux Falls, SD
Resources for Human Development - Sioux Falls, SD
Volunteers of America, Dakotas - Sioux Falls, SD
Southeastern Directions for Life - Sioux Falls, SD
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 | $32,019 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $28,892 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $34,735 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $38,768 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $38,818 |
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 | $38,624 | $19.0 | 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 | $34,464 | $2,872 | $663 | $17 |
| Average | $32,187 | $2,682 | $619 | $15 |
| 25th Percentile | $29,968 | $2,497 | $576 | $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.
Southeastern Directions for Life
Sioux Falls, SD
Southeastern Directions for Life | Sioux Falls, SD
Do you love making a difference and having fun while working. Southeastern Directions for Life is looking for a full-time staff to work as a Direct Support... more
6 Days Ago
Southeastern Directions for Life
Sioux Falls, SD
Southeastern Directions for Life | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Southeastern Directions for Life has an opening for a full-time overnight position available for a Residential Direct Sup... more
2 Days Ago
Northern Hills Training Center
Spearfish, SD
Northern Hills Training Center | Spearfish, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Direct Support Professional (DSP)- PT, FT, Overnight Shifts Available. Location. Spearfish, SD. Company. Northern Hills T... more
6 Days Ago
Volunteers of America, Dakotas
Sioux Falls, SD
Volunteers of America, Dakotas | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. This position is eligible for a $20.50/hour starting wage. Department. CHOICES Residential. Job Status. Full Time. Report... more
2 Days Ago
Southeastern Directions for Life
Sioux Falls, SD
Southeastern Directions for Life | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Southeastern Directions for Life is looking for motivated individuals to work in our Transitional House. Southeastern's m... more
5 Days Ago
Southeastern Directions for Life
Sioux Falls, SD
Southeastern Directions for Life | Sioux Falls, SD
Job Description. Job Description. Do you like making a difference and having fun while working. Southeastern Directions for Life has an immediate opening f... more
2 Days Ago
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