How Much Does a Direct Support Caregiver make?

Direct Support Caregiver made a median salary around $29,697 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $32,943 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $27,582. 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.
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Best-Paying Cities for Direct Support Caregiver

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Direct Support Caregiver profession are San Jose , San Francisco , Oakland , New York , Queens Village .
San Jose, CA $37,457
San Francisco, CA $37,089
Oakland, CA $36,266
New York, NY $34,416
Queens Village, NY $34,194

Best-Paying States for Direct Support Caregiver

The states and districts that pay Direct Support Caregiver the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $32,881) , California (around $32,756) , Massachusetts (around $32,320) , Washington (around $32,201) , and New Jersey (around $32,189) .
District of Columbia $32,881
California $32,756
Massachusetts $32,320
Washington $32,201
New Jersey $32,189

What is the Career Path of Direct Support Caregiver?

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.

For Direct Support Caregiver, the upper level is Home Care Aide II , and then progresses to Home Care Aide III

Frequently Asked Questions for Direct Support Caregiver

Q: What is the salary range of Direct Support Caregiver?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Direct Support Caregiver earned an average annual salary of $27,582 , while the highest-paid made $32,943.
Q: What is the salary for a Direct Support Caregiver in California?
A: Direct Support Caregiver employed in California earned an average salary of $32,756 in 2025.

Average Direct Support Caregiver Pay vs. Other Jobs

Direct Support Caregiver earned an average salary of $29,697 in 2025. Other jobs related to Direct Support Caregiver earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Direct Support Professional Caregiver made $33,591 , Direct Support Professional DSP/Caregiver made $35,863 , Residential Caregiver Direct Support Professional and Caregiver / Direct Care made $38,522 and $29,697 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Direct Support Caregiver

Direct Support Professional Caregiver - Average Salary $33,591
There is currently no job description for Direct Support Professional Caregiver, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Direct Support Professional Caregiver.
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.
There is currently no job description for Residential Caregiver Direct Support Professional, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Residential Caregiver Direct Support Professional.
Caregiver / Direct Care - Average Salary $29,697
There is currently no job description for Caregiver / Direct Care, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Caregiver / Direct Care.
Direct Care Staff/Caregiver - Average Salary $29,697
There is currently no job description for Direct Care Staff/Caregiver, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Direct Care Staff/Caregiver.