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Direct Care Worker/ DSP Salary in California

How Much Does a Direct Care Worker/ DSP make?

Direct Care Worker/ DSP made a median salary around $78,978 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $83,677 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $74,408. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Salary Salary + Bonus Benefits
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Check out Direct Care Worker/ DSP jobs in California

(Child-Care Worker/DSP) Behavior Technician I

Key Essentials to Behavior Management, Corp - San Dimas, CA

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(Child-Care Worker/DSP) Behavior Technician I

Key Essentials to Behavior Management, Corp - Rancho Cucamonga, CA

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker $5,000 HIRING BONUS!

Senior Community Care of Colorado - MONTROSE, CO

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Clinical Social Worker - Department of State Hospitals

California Department of State Hospitals - ATASCADERO, CA

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Search More Direct Care Worker/ DSP Jobs in California
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Best-Paying Cities for Direct Care Worker/ DSP

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Direct Care Worker/ DSP profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos , Milpitas .
San Jose, CA $90,313
Santa Clara, CA $90,313
Sunnyvale, CA $90,313
Los Gatos, CA $90,313
Milpitas, CA $90,313

Best-Paying States for Direct Care Worker/ DSP

The states and districts that pay Direct Care Worker/ DSP the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $79,279) , California (around $78,978) , Massachusetts (around $77,926) , Washington (around $77,639) , and New Jersey (around $77,611) .
District of Columbia $79,279
California $78,978
Massachusetts $77,926
Washington $77,639
New Jersey $77,611

What is the Career Path of Direct Care Worker/ DSP?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

The first career path typically progresses to Nurse Manager - Long-Term Care.
The second career path typically progresses to Head Nurse - Nursing Home.
Besides, Direct Care Worker/ DSP can also turn to other related jobs, including Direct Support Professional DSP , Direct Support Professional DSP/Caregiver , Direct Care Counselor and Caregiver / Direct Care .

Frequently Asked Questions for Direct Care Worker/ DSP

Q: What is the salary range of Direct Care Worker/ DSP in California?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Direct Care Worker/ DSP in California earned an average annual salary of $74,408 , while the highest-paid made $83,677.
Q: What is the salary for a Direct Care Worker/ DSP in California?
A: Direct Care Worker/ DSP employed in California earned an average salary of $78,978 in 2025.

Average Direct Care Worker/ DSP Pay vs. Other Jobs

Direct Care Worker/ DSP earned an average salary of $78,978 in 2025. Other jobs related to Direct Care Worker/ DSP earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Direct Support Professional DSP made $41,472 , Direct Support Professional DSP/Caregiver made $39,557 , Direct Care Counselor and Caregiver / Direct Care made $38,630 and $32,756 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Direct Care Worker/ DSP

Direct Support Professional DSP - Average Salary $41,472
There is currently no job description for Direct Support Professional DSP, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Direct Support Professional DSP.
There is currently no job description for Direct Support Professional DSP/Caregiver, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Direct Support Professional DSP/Caregiver.
Direct Care Counselor - Average Salary $38,630
There is currently no job description for Direct Care Counselor, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Direct Care Counselor.
Caregiver / Direct Care - Average Salary $32,756
There is currently no job description for Caregiver / Direct Care, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Caregiver / Direct Care.
Direct Care Associate - Average Salary $39,201
There is currently no job description for Direct Care Associate, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Direct Care Associate.