As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Peer Support Specialist in the United States is $46,583 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Peer Support Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Peer Support Specialist'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 Peer Support Specialist'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 Peer Support Specialist | $46,583 |
| Intermediate Level Peer Support Specialist | $47,046 |
| Senior Level Peer Support Specialist | $48,183 |
| Specialist Level Peer Support Specialist | $48,411 |
| Expert Level Peer Support Specialist | $48,563 |
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 Peer Support Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 6.22% |
| Child Development | 2.43% |
| Psychiatric | 2.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Group Therapy
|
$52,639 |
13%
|
|
Treatment Planning
|
$51,241 |
10%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$50,310 |
8%
|
|
Group Counseling
|
$49,844 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$49,844 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$49,378 |
6%
|
For Peer Support Specialist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Peer Support Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Peer Support Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $51,241 | $25.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Peer Support Specialists enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Peer Support Specialist with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $43,270 and $46,583).
Peer Support Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 0.8% |
| Bachelors | 5.4% |
| Masters | 87.3% |
| Doctorate | 5.4% |
Understanding how a Peer Support Specialist'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 Peer Support Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,731 in 2023 to around $44,229 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Peer Support Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $44,731 |
| 2024 | $44,643 |
| 2025 | $44,229 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Peer Support Specialist roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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