As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Support Professionals in the United States is $169,986 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.
However, a Direct Support Professionals's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Direct Support Professionals'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Direct Support Professionals'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Direct Support Professionals | $156,877 |
| Intermediate Level Direct Support Professionals | $159,062 |
| Senior Level Direct Support Professionals | $162,703 |
| Specialist Level Direct Support Professionals | $166,344 |
| Expert Level Direct Support Professionals | $172,498 |
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 Professionals. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Coaching | 8.55% |
| Process Development | 2.36% |
| Microsoft Office | 0.88% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Prioritization
|
$287,276 |
69%
|
|
Insight
|
$248,180 |
46%
|
|
Process Development
|
$243,080 |
43%
|
|
Client Success
|
$236,281 |
39%
|
|
Analysis
|
$234,581 |
38%
|
|
Managed Services
|
$227,781 |
34%
|
For Direct Support Professionals roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Direct Support Professionals positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Direct Support Professionals as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $220,982 | $106.0 | 30% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Direct Support Professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Direct Support Professionals with a Bachelor's Degree is between $169,122 and $188,853).
Direct Support Professionals Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 14.0% |
| High School | 14.0% |
| Associates | 13.0% |
| Bachelors | 38.0% |
| Masters | 35.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Direct Support Professionals'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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Direct Support Professionals can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $115,196 in 2023 to around $115,675 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Direct Support Professionals salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $115,196 |
| 2024 | $116,035 |
| 2025 | $115,675 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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