As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Direct Support Staff in the United States is $38,391 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, a Direct Support Staff's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Direct Support 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Direct Support 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 Support Staff | $35,597 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Staff | $32,121 |
| Direct Su... Level Direct Support Staff | $38,617 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Staff | $43,100 |
| Home Care... Level Direct Support Staff | $43,155 |
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 Stafves. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 3.96% |
| CPR | 5.76% |
| First Aid | 3.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coordination
|
$44,534 |
16%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$43,766 |
14%
|
|
Accountability
|
$43,382 |
13%
|
|
Care Management
|
$43,382 |
13%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$41,847 |
9%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$41,463 |
8%
|
For Direct Support 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 Support Staff positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Direct Support Staff as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $46,070 | $22.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Direct Support Stafves enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Staff with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $33,262 and $35,106).
Direct Support Staff Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.0% |
| High School | 48.0% |
| Associates | 20.0% |
| Bachelors | 20.0% |
| Masters | 8.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Direct Support 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Direct Support Staff can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $31,796 in 2023 to around $31,409 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Direct Support Staff salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $31,796 |
| 2024 | $31,646 |
| 2025 | $31,409 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Direct Support Staff roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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