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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Care Counselor in New Jersey is $43,182 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Direct Care Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Direct Care Counselor Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $47,079 | $3,923 | $905 | $23 |
| Average | $43,182 | $3,598 | $830 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,532 | $3,294 | $760 | $19 |
South Jersey Behavioral Health Resources - Berlin, NJ
ANGEL CARE HOME COMPANION SERVICES - Camden, NJ
JEVS Human Services - Cherry Hill, NJ
LADACIN Network - Asbury Park, NJ
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 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 | $40,039 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Care Counselor | $36,129 |
| Direct Ca... Level Direct Care Counselor | $43,435 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Care Counselor | $48,478 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Care Counselor | $48,540 |
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:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
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 | $51,818 | $25.0 | 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $47,079 | $3,923 | $905 | $23 |
| Average | $43,182 | $3,598 | $830 | $21 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,532 | $3,294 | $760 | $19 |
Ready 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.
Momcares Group Home LLC
Piscataway, NJ
Momcares Group Home LLC | Piscataway, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. We are Hiring. We are looking for a compassionate direct caregiver for our residents. The DSP is responsible for providin... more
7 Days Ago
JEVS Human Services
Camden, NJ
JEVS Human Services | Camden, NJ
Direct Care Worker. JEVS Human Services has an exciting opportunity as a community-based Community Support Counselor. The Independence Network empowers you... more
8 Days Ago
PROGRESSIVE INELLECTUAL SERVICES
Atlantic City, NJ
PROGRESSIVE INELLECTUAL SERVICES | Atlantic City, NJ
Job Description. Job Description. About the Role. Join PROGRESSIVE INTELLECTUAL SERVICES as a Direct Care Professional, where you will make a meaningful im... more
8 Days Ago
Kindly Direct Care
Burlington, NJ
Kindly Direct Care | Burlington, NJ
Come Join Our Amazing Team of DSPs. $17-$24/hour. We have Full-Time, Part-Time and Weekend DSP positions available. Do you want to feel fulfilled and help ... more
5 Days Ago
Kindly Direct Care
Trenton, NJ
Kindly Direct Care | Trenton, NJ
Male Spanish Speaking Dsp. Kindly Direct Care is looking for Direct Support Professionals/DSPs who are caring, compassionate and dependable team members to... more
6 Days Ago
Kindly Direct Care
Eatontown, NJ
Kindly Direct Care | Eatontown, NJ
Come Join Our Amazing Team of DSPs. $17-$24/hour. We have Full-Time, Part-Time and Weekend DSP positions available. Do you want to feel fulfilled and help ... more
7 Days Ago
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