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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Support Assistant in Alabama is $35,334 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Direct Support Assistant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Direct Support Assistant Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $38,523 | $3,210 | $741 | $19 |
| Average | $35,334 | $2,945 | $680 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,348 | $2,696 | $622 | $16 |
AltaPointe Health - Sylacauga, AL
The Arc of Central Alabama - Birmingham, AL
Sevita - Good Hope, AL
Sevita - Dodge, AL
A Direct Support Assistant'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 Support Assistant'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 Support Assistant | $32,763 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Assistant | $29,563 |
| Direct Su... Level Direct Support Assistant | $35,542 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Assistant | $39,668 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Assistant | $39,719 |
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 Support Assistants. 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 Support Assistant 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 Support Assistant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Direct Support Assistant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $42,401 | $20.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Direct Support Assistant'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 | $38,523 | $3,210 | $741 | $19 |
| Average | $35,334 | $2,945 | $680 | $17 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,348 | $2,696 | $622 | $16 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Direct Support Assistant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
HCAOA
Piedmont, AL
HCAOA | Piedmont, AL
Direct Support Professional. We are looking for Direct Support Professionals or caregivers that are interested in learning and growing their skills within ... more
8 Days Ago
Louises Promise LLC
Hoover, AL
Louises Promise LLC | Hoover, AL
Job Description. Job Description. Louise's Promise Residential Homes are seeking compassion and dependable Direct Support Professional to provide care and ... more
8 Days Ago
Volunteers of America Southeast, Inc
Tuscaloosa, AL
Volunteers of America Southeast, Inc | Tuscaloosa, AL
Direct Support Professional Status:Part-Time Pay:Starting at $14..50/hr Shift:3rd Shift (All shifts include working every other weekend) Type:Entry-Level V... more
9 Days Ago
Iron City Residential
Birmingham, AL
Iron City Residential | Birmingham, AL
Job Description. Job Description. Provide supports for persons with intellectual disabilities at the individual's home. General Accountabilities. Train res... more
9 Days Ago
Healthcare Connection Group INC
Montgomery, AL
Healthcare Connection Group INC | Montgomery, AL
Job Description. Job Description. A residential home is looking for direct care help who has had previous experience in the care and training of individual... more
9 Days Ago
Sevita
Cullman, AL
Sevita | Cullman, AL
Caregiver Position At Sevita. REM Community Services, a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and ... more
10 Days Ago
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