As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Community Living Specialist in the United States is $77,513 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Community Living Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Community Living Specialist'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Community Living Specialist'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 |
|---|---|
| Community... Level Community Living Specialist | $62,312 |
| Community... Level Community Living Specialist | $77,969 |
| Community... Level Community Living Specialist | $99,560 |
| Community... Level Community Living Specialist | $123,008 |
| Community... Level Community Living Specialist | $156,746 |
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 Community Living Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Presentation | 5.92% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.83% |
| Case Management | 1.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Taking Ownership
|
$82,939 |
7%
|
|
Sales and Marketing
|
$81,389 |
5%
|
|
Business Development
|
$80,614 |
4%
|
|
Project Management
|
$80,614 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$79,839 |
3%
|
|
Community Relations
|
$79,839 |
3%
|
For Community Living Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Community Living Specialist positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Community Living Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $93,016 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $93,016 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $91,466 | $44.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $91,466 | $44.0 | 18% |
| Internet | $86,815 | $42.0 | 12% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Community Living Specialists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Community Living Specialist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $73,270 and $78,570).
Community Living Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.6% |
| High School | 3.2% |
| Associates | 4.3% |
| Bachelors | 60.6% |
| Masters | 29.8% |
| Doctorate | 0.5% |
Understanding how a Community Living Specialist'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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Community Living Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $76,006 in 2023 to around $75,862 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Community Living Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $76,006 |
| 2024 | $76,215 |
| 2025 | $75,862 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Community Living Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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