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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Support Assistant in Washington is $41,704 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
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 | $45,467 | $3,789 | $874 | $22 |
| Average | $41,704 | $3,475 | $802 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,179 | $3,182 | $734 | $18 |
Bridge of Promise - Kent, WA
PARKVIEW SERVICES - Bothell, WA
CCH Individualized Support Services - Port Angeles, WA
Community Resources Inc - Olympia, WA
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 | $38,668 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Assistant | $34,892 |
| Direct Su... Level Direct Support Assistant | $41,948 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Assistant | $46,819 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Assistant | $46,879 |
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 | $50,044 | $24.0 | 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 | $45,467 | $3,789 | $874 | $22 |
| Average | $41,704 | $3,475 | $802 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,179 | $3,182 | $734 | $18 |
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.
Sevita
Parkland, WA
Sevita | Parkland, WA
REM Community Services , a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. H... more
6 Days Ago
Sevita
University Place, WA
Sevita | University Place, WA
REM Community Services , a part of the Sevita family, provides community-based services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. H... more
6 Days Ago
Parkview Services
Seattle, WA
Parkview Services | Seattle, WA
Traveling Direct Support Counselor. Parkview is seeking a compassionate, professional individual to help provide care in various single client homes in Sou... more
7 Days Ago
Service Alternatives
Everett, WA
Service Alternatives | Everett, WA
Job Description. Job Description. 42 Years of Advancing Potential. Are you a people person. Apply now. We serve clients across the Puget Sound area. We are... more
7 Days Ago
Kaler Residential Services
Spokane, WA
Kaler Residential Services | Spokane, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Since 1999, our supportive living company has been dedicated to providing exceptional care and making a difference in the... more
7 Days Ago
Camelot Society Inc
Mountlake Terrace, WA
Camelot Society Inc | Mountlake Terrace, WA
Job Title:Direct Support Professional (DSP) Responsible to:Program Manager & Program Administrator Primary Responsibilities:1.To promote individual growth ... more
8 Days Ago
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