How Much Does a Direct Support Professional I make?

Direct Support Professional I made a median salary around $34,185 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $35,413 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $32,268. 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.
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Direct Support Professional I

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Direct Support Professional I profession are Kansas City , Riverside , Saint Louis , Independence , Saint Ann .
Kansas City, MO $35,117
Riverside, MO $35,117
Saint Louis, MO $35,117
Independence, MO $35,081
Saint Ann, MO $35,081

Best-Paying States for Direct Support Professional I

The states and districts that pay Direct Support Professional I the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $39,924) , California (around $39,565) , New Jersey (around $39,314) , Alaska (around $39,063) , and Massachusetts (around $39,027) .
District of Columbia $39,924
California $39,565
New Jersey $39,314
Alaska $39,063
Massachusetts $39,027

What is the Career Path of Direct Support Professional I?

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 Professional I, the upper level is Home Care Aide I , and then progresses to Home Care Aide III
Besides, Direct Support Professional I can also turn to other related jobs, including Direct Support Professional , Lead Direct Support Professional , Advanced Direct Support Professional and Direct Support Care Professional .

Frequently Asked Questions for Direct Support Professional I

Q: What is the salary range of Direct Support Professional I in Missouri?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Direct Support Professional I in Missouri earned an average annual salary of $32,268 , while the highest-paid made $35,413.
Q: What is the salary for a Direct Support Professional I in California?
A: Direct Support Professional I employed in California earned an average salary of $39,565 in 2025.

Average Direct Support Professional I Pay vs. Other Jobs

Direct Support Professional I earned an average salary of $34,185 in 2025. Other jobs related to Direct Support Professional I earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Direct Support Professional made $34,185 , Lead Direct Support Professional made $33,945 , Advanced Direct Support Professional and Direct Support Care Professional made $34,365 and $28,222 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Direct Support Professional I

Direct Support Professional - Average Salary $34,185
There is currently no job description for Direct Support Professional, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Direct Support Professional.
Lead Direct Support Professional - Average Salary $33,945
There is currently no job description for Lead Direct Support Professional, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Lead Direct Support Professional.
Advanced Direct Support Professional - Average Salary $34,365
There is currently no job description for Advanced Direct Support Professional, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Advanced Direct Support Professional.
Direct Support Care Professional - Average Salary $28,222
There is currently no job description for Direct Support Care Professional, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Direct Support Care Professional.
Direct Support Professional 2 - Average Salary $64,765
There is currently no job description for Direct Support Professional 2, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Direct Support Professional 2.