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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Support Assistant in Virginia is $38,731 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
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 | $42,226 | $3,519 | $812 | $20 |
| Average | $38,731 | $3,228 | $745 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,457 | $2,955 | $682 | $17 |
ITS MY LIFE LLC - Suffolk, VA
St. Joseph's Villa - Richmond, VA
Diversity - Richmond, VA
Hampton Roads Residential Services - Newport News, VA
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 | $35,911 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Assistant | $32,404 |
| Direct Su... Level Direct Support Assistant | $38,958 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Assistant | $43,481 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Assistant | $43,537 |
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 | $46,477 | $22.0 | 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 | $42,226 | $3,519 | $812 | $20 |
| Average | $38,731 | $3,228 | $745 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,457 | $2,955 | $682 | $17 |
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.
NeuroRestorative
Salem, VA
NeuroRestorative | Salem, VA
NeuroRestorative, a part of the Sevita family, provides rehabilitation services for people of all ages with brain, spinal cord and medically complex injuri... more
8 Days Ago
People 1st Health and Residential Services
Chester, VA
People 1st Health and Residential Services | Chester, VA
IMMEDIATE OPENINGS:3-11 and 11-7 with alternating weekends, PRN all 3 shifts People 1st Health and Residential Services, LLC is currently seeking Direct Su... more
8 Days Ago
CLUB ELITE DAY PROGRAM
Woodbridge, VA
CLUB ELITE DAY PROGRAM | Woodbridge, VA
Club Elite is a for-profit day support program established and incorporated in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2006.Club Elite is licensed by the State of ... more
8 Days Ago
Sunrise Community of Virginia, Inc.
Alexandria, VA
Sunrise Community of Virginia, Inc. | Alexandria, VA
Job Description:Are you passionate about helping others. Would you like to make a difference in someone's life. If you answered yes, we encourage you to jo... more
8 Days Ago
Dana's Habitat, Inc/Unique Lessons Learning Center
Glen Allen, VA
Dana's Habitat, Inc/Unique Lessons Learning Center | Glen Allen, VA
Job Overview Job Summary The Direct Support Professional (DSP) plays a vital role in providing assistance and support to individuals with intellectual & de... more
8 Days Ago
Merakey
Richmond, VA
Merakey | Richmond, VA
Direct Support Professional (DSP). Are you looking for an opportunity to advance your career while working with an extraordinary team. At Merakey, we put h... more
8 Days Ago
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