As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Care Staff in South Dakota is $35,498 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Direct Care Staff's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Direct Care Staff Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $38,699 | $3,225 | $744 | $19 |
| Average | $35,498 | $2,958 | $683 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,497 | $2,708 | $625 | $16 |
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A Direct Care Staff'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 Staff'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 Staff | $32,918 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Care Staff | $29,704 |
| Direct Ca... Level Direct Care Staff | $35,706 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Care Staff | $39,850 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Care Staff | $39,902 |
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 Stafves. 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 Staff 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 Staff positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Direct Care Staff as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $42,597 | $20.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Direct Care Staff'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 | $38,699 | $3,225 | $744 | $19 |
| Average | $35,498 | $2,958 | $683 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,497 | $2,708 | $625 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Direct Care Staff job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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