How Much Does a Direct Support Professional I make?

Direct Support Professional I made a median salary around $37,449 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $38,795 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $35,349. 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.
Check out Direct Support Professional jobs in Rhode Island

Direct Support Professional - Residential

Seven Hills Foundation - Woonsocket, RI

Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Looking Upwards, Inc. - Portsmouth, RI

Direct Support Professional I - HBTS

Seven Hills Foundation & Affiliates - Cranston, RI

Direct Support Professional I - Respite

Seven Hills Foundation & Affiliates - Lincoln, RI

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Best-Paying Cities for Direct Support Professional I

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Direct Support Professional I profession are Hopkinton , Rockville , Ashaway , Exeter , Hope Valley .
Hopkinton, RI $38,274
Rockville, RI $38,274
Ashaway, RI $38,238
Exeter, RI $38,238
Hope Valley, RI $38,238

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 Rhode Island?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Direct Support Professional I in Rhode Island earned an average annual salary of $35,349 , while the highest-paid made $38,795.
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 $37,449 in 2025. Other jobs related to Direct Support Professional I earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Direct Support Professional made $37,449 , Lead Direct Support Professional made $37,186 , Advanced Direct Support Professional and Direct Support Care Professional made $37,647 and $30,917 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Direct Support Professional I

Direct Support Professional - Average Salary $37,449
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 $37,186
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 $37,647
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 $30,917
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 $70,949
There is currently no job description for Direct Support Professional 2, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Direct Support Professional 2.