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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Support Professional in Virginia is $35,665 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
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 | $38,187 | $3,182 | $734 | $18 |
| Average | $35,665 | $2,972 | $686 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,206 | $2,767 | $639 | $16 |
Jefferson Residential Services - Fredericksburg, VA
The Arc of the Piedmont - Crozet, VA
LeanOn Care Services - Burke, VA
DePaul Community Resources - Fishersville, VA
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 | $35,479 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $32,014 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $38,489 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $42,957 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Professional | $43,012 |
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 | $42,797 | $21.0 | 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 | $38,187 | $3,182 | $734 | $18 |
| Average | $35,665 | $2,972 | $686 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,206 | $2,767 | $639 | $16 |
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.
Warminster Place Llc
Virginia Beach, VA
Warminster Place Llc | Virginia Beach, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Qualifications. High school or equivalent (Required). DSP or CNA or PCA: 2 years (Required). Driver's License (Required).... more
3 Days Ago
Heart to Heart Residential Services
Colonial Heights, VA
Heart to Heart Residential Services | Colonial Heights, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Dental insurance. Health insurance. We are seeking Direct Support Professionals to join our team and provide as... more
4 Days Ago
ABILITIES Beyond Disabilities
Portsmouth, VA
ABILITIES Beyond Disabilities | Portsmouth, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Position Title: Direct Support Professional (DSP). Category of Employment. Position Summary: Direct Support Professional ... more
5 Days Ago
Hampton Roads Residential Services
Newport News, VA
Hampton Roads Residential Services | Newport News, VA
Shift Hours: The following shift hours are available:1.Full-Time (40 hours) Community Engagement:Tuesday - Saturday.8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.2.Part-Time (28 hou... more
6 Days Ago
NeuroRestorative
Salem, VA
NeuroRestorative | Salem, VA
NeuroRestorative, a part of the Sevita family, provides rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain, spinal cord and medically complex injuri... more
6 Days Ago
People 1st Health and Residential Services
Chester, VA
People 1st Health and Residential Services | Chester, VA
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS:3-11 and 11-7 with alternating weekends, PRN all 3 shifts People 1st Health and Residential Services, LLC is currently seeking Direct Su... more
6 Days Ago
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