As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Care Counselor in Hickory, MS is $34,538 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
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, skills 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 |
|---|---|
| Behaviora... Level Direct Care Counselor | $32,024 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Care Counselor | $28,896 |
| Direct Ca... Level Direct Care Counselor | $34,740 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Care Counselor | $38,774 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Care Counselor | $38,823 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.96% |
| CPR | 5.76% |
| First Aid | 3.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$40,064 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$39,373 |
14%
|
|
Accountability
|
$39,027 |
13%
|
|
Care Management
|
$39,027 |
13%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$37,646 |
9%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$37,301 |
8%
|
For Direct Care Counselor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Direct Care Counselor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Direct Care Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $41,445 | $20.0 | 20% |
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 August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Direct Care Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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