As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Care Counselor in the United States is $39,832 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, a Direct Care Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Direct Care Counselor'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 Direct Care Counselor'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Direct Care Counselor | $39,032 |
| Intermediate Level Direct Care Counselor | $39,126 |
| Senior Level Direct Care Counselor | $40,355 |
| Specialist Level Direct Care Counselor | $41,969 |
| Expert Level Direct Care Counselor | $42,084 |
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 Direct Care Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.96% |
| CPR | 5.76% |
| First Aid | 3.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$46,205 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$45,408 |
14%
|
|
Accountability
|
$45,010 |
13%
|
|
Care Management
|
$45,010 |
13%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$43,417 |
9%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$43,018 |
8%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Direct Care Counselors enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Direct Care Counselor with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $33,262 and $35,106).
Direct Care Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.0% |
| High School | 48.0% |
| Associates | 20.0% |
| Bachelors | 20.0% |
| Masters | 8.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Direct Care Counselor'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Direct Care Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $32,995 in 2023 to around $32,594 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Direct Care Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $32,995 |
| 2024 | $32,840 |
| 2025 | $32,594 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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