Direct Support Professional Salaries

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
Salary

How much does a Direct Support Professional make?

The average salary for a Direct Support Professional is $35,393 per year in the US.

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) helps people who need extra care. This can include those with disabilities or the elderly. DSPs earn a good salary. The average DSP makes around $35,393 per year. This is a solid income for many people.

DSPs can earn more with experience and extra training. Some DSPs make less, while others make more. Here are some common salaries for DSPs:

  • $24,700 for those just starting out
  • $31,191 for those with some experience
  • $42,009 for those with more experience
  • $48,500 for those with the most experience

This range shows that DSPs can earn a good living. It also shows that there are chances to grow and earn more over time.

View Direct Support Professional jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Direct Support Professional?

Direct Support Professional jobs offer competitive pay in several cities. Bend, Oregon, leads with an average salary of $44,188. San Jose, California, and Portland, Oregon, follow closely. These cities provide excellent opportunities for those in the field. Other top-paying cities include Seattle, Washington, and Spokane, Washington. Santa Rosa, California, and Eugene, Oregon, also offer strong salaries. These locations make great choices for job seekers looking for higher pay.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Direct Support Professional jobs, highlighting Bend, OR with the highest at $44,188 and Salem, OR with the lowest at $40,249.
  1. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $44,188
    In Bend, OR, you can find rewarding roles in supportive care. Companies like The Arc of Central Oregon offer great opportunities. The city's serene environment makes it a pleasant place to work.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Bend, OR


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $43,712
    San Jose, CA, provides a dynamic setting for those in care support. With companies like Always Best Care, you can find fulfilling work. The tech-driven city offers a unique backdrop for your career.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $43,346
    Portland, OR, is a vibrant city for care support professionals. Companies such as Ability360 offer many opportunities. The city's progressive culture makes it a great place to work and grow.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Portland, OR


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $43,297
    Seattle, WA, offers a bustling environment for care support roles. With employers like Ability Central, you can find meaningful work. The city's diverse community adds to the rewarding experience.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $42,578
    In Spokane, WA, you can work in a supportive role with companies like Ability Central. The city's friendly atmosphere makes it a great place to build your career. Spokane offers a balanced work environment.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Spokane, WA


  6. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $41,702
    Santa Rosa, CA, provides a welcoming setting for care support professionals. Companies like Ability Options offer excellent opportunities. The city's laid-back vibe makes it a pleasant place to work.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  7. Eugene, OR
    Average Salary: $41,246
    Eugene, OR, is a great city for those in care support. With employers like The Arc of Oregon, you can find fulfilling roles. The city's vibrant culture adds to the rewarding experience.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Eugene, OR


  8. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $40,533
    Boulder, CO, offers a healthy environment for care support roles. Companies like Ability360 provide many opportunities. The city's active lifestyle makes it a great place to work and thrive.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Boulder, CO


  9. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $40,415
    Anchorage, AK, provides a unique setting for care support professionals. With employers like Alaska Mental Health Trust, you can find rewarding work. The city's natural beauty adds to the experience.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Anchorage, AK


  10. Salem, OR
    Average Salary: $40,249
    Salem, OR, offers a stable environment for care support roles. Companies like The Arc of Oregon provide many opportunities. The city's historic charm makes it a pleasant place to work.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Salem, OR

What are the best companies a Direct Support Professional can work for?

Jemcare offers the highest salary for Direct Support Professional jobs, with a yearly average of $65,091. Family Service of Rhode Island and TIDES LLC follow closely, providing competitive salaries around $52,842 and $52,766, respectively. These companies value their employees and offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Direct Support Professional jobs, highlighting Jemcare with the highest at $65,091 and Commonwealth of Massachusetts with the lowest at $50,227.
  1. Jemcare
    Average Salary: $65,091
    Jemcare offers rewarding Direct Support Professional jobs. They provide care in Rhode Island. Their team helps people with disabilities live better lives.


  2. Family Service of Rhode Island
    Average Salary: $52,842
    Family Service of Rhode Island hires Direct Support Professionals. They serve Rhode Island. They focus on helping people with disabilities and their families.


  3. TIDES LLC
    Average Salary: $52,766
    TIDES LLC offers Direct Support Professional jobs. They operate in Maryland. They aim to support people with disabilities in their homes and communities.


  4. Telecare Corporation
    Average Salary: $52,165
    Telecare Corporation provides Direct Support Professional positions. They serve California. They focus on helping people with disabilities live independently.


  5. ALFA Development, Inc.
    Average Salary: $51,967
    ALFA Development, Inc. offers Direct Support Professional jobs. They operate in Massachusetts. They provide services to people with developmental disabilities.


  6. Ocean State Behavioral
    Average Salary: $51,205
    Ocean State Behavioral hires Direct Support Professionals. They serve Rhode Island. They focus on helping people with mental health and substance use disorders.


  7. Worldwide Travel Staffing, Limited
    Average Salary: $50,591
    Worldwide Travel Staffing, Limited offers Direct Support Professional jobs. They operate in various locations. They provide travel opportunities for support professionals.


  8. YMCA Of Greater Seattle
    Average Salary: $50,509
    YMCA Of Greater Seattle offers Direct Support Professional jobs. They serve Washington. They focus on helping people with disabilities in their communities.


  9. Owen Health Care
    Average Salary: $50,476
    Owen Health Care provides Direct Support Professional jobs. They operate in the Midwest. They focus on helping people with disabilities live better lives.


  10. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    Average Salary: $50,227
    The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers Direct Support Professional jobs. They serve Massachusetts. They provide services to people with disabilities across the state.

How to earn more as a Direct Support Professional?

Becoming a Direct Support Professional (DSP) can be a rewarding career. It offers the chance to make a real difference in people's lives. However, many DSPs look for ways to earn more. Here are some steps to consider for increasing your income.

First, gaining more certifications can lead to higher pay. Many employers offer bonuses or higher wages for DSPs with specialized skills. For example, certifications in CPR, First Aid, or crisis intervention can be valuable. These skills show that you are prepared to handle different situations. They also make you more valuable to your employer. Another way to earn more is by taking on additional responsibilities. This could mean working extra shifts or taking on leadership roles. Employers often reward DSPs who show initiative and a willingness to go above and beyond.

Here are some specific steps to consider:

  1. Get more certifications.
  2. Take on additional responsibilities.
  3. Seek out employers who offer higher wages.
  4. Consider working in higher-paying areas or industries.
  5. Look for opportunities to advance within your current employer.

Currently 11,212 Direct Support Professional job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Direct Support Professional in the US?

Learn what a Direct Support Professional does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Direct Support Professional today.
Position
Overview
Direct Support Professional
11,212 Job Openings