Position
Salary

How much does a Direct Support Professional make?

The average salary for a Direct Support Professional is $35,967 per year in the US.

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) play a vital role in helping people with disabilities. They earn a good salary, which reflects their important work. The average yearly salary for a DSP is around $35,967. This means most DSPs make close to this amount each year. Some DSPs earn more, while others earn less, but this average gives a good idea of what to expect.

The salary for DSPs can vary based on several factors. These include experience, location, and the type of employer. DSPs with more experience often earn higher salaries. Those in urban areas or with specialized skills may also see higher pay. For example, DSPs working in certain states or with specific organizations might earn more than the average. This variety in salary shows the value placed on different skills and experiences in the field.

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

Direct Support Professionals can find some of the best pay in Bend, Oregon, where the average salary reaches $44,725. San Jose, California, and Portland, Oregon, follow closely with average salaries of $44,323 and $44,263, respectively. These cities offer competitive wages and a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Direct Support Professional jobs, highlighting Bend, OR with the highest at $44,725 and Boulder, CO with the lowest at $41,756.
  1. Bend, OR
    Average Salary: $44,725
    In Bend, working as a support professional offers a chance to help individuals in a vibrant community. The area is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. Companies like Central Oregon Community College provide opportunities.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Bend, OR


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $44,323
    San Jose offers a dynamic environment for support professionals. The tech-driven city provides many job opportunities. Companies like Stanford Health Care are prominent in the area.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $44,263
    Portland is a great place for support professionals. The city values community and offers many job opportunities. Companies like Kaiser Permanente are known employers.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Portland, OR


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $43,954
    Seattle provides a lively setting for support professionals. The city's tech industry offers many job opportunities. Companies like Providence Health & Services are major employers.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $42,934
    Spokane offers a supportive community for professionals. The city's growing economy provides many job opportunities. Companies like Providence St. Joseph Health are key employers.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Spokane, WA


  6. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $42,196
    Santa Rosa offers a welcoming environment for support professionals. The city's strong community spirit makes it a great place to work. Companies like Kaiser Permanente are major employers.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  7. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $41,992
    Anchorage provides a unique setting for support professionals. The city's outdoor lifestyle offers many job opportunities. Companies like Alaska Regional Hospital are key employers.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Anchorage, AK


  8. Eugene, OR
    Average Salary: $41,972
    Eugene offers a vibrant community for support professionals. The city's focus on education and culture provides many job opportunities. Companies like PeaceHealth are major employers.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Eugene, OR


  9. Stockton, CA
    Average Salary: $41,780
    Stockton offers a supportive environment for professionals. The city's growing economy provides many job opportunities. Companies like Kaiser Permanente are key employers.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Stockton, CA


  10. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $41,756
    Boulder offers a healthy lifestyle for support professionals. The city's outdoor activities and education focus provide many job opportunities. Companies like Boulder Community Health are major employers.
    Find Direct Support Professional jobs in Boulder, CO

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

Jemcare offers the highest average salary for Direct Support Professional jobs at $64,783. Family Service of Rhode Island follows closely with an average salary of $53,840. WAR Ministry Corporation provides a competitive average salary of $53,273 for these positions.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Direct Support Professional jobs, highlighting Jemcare with the highest at $64,783 and Johnson County Kansas with the lowest at $50,491.
  1. Jemcare
    Average Salary: $64,783
    Jemcare offers rewarding Direct Support Professional jobs. They focus on providing care for individuals in need. They operate in various locations, ensuring they can offer support where it is most needed.


  2. Family Service of Rhode Island
    Average Salary: $53,840
    Family Service of Rhode Island provides excellent opportunities for Direct Support Professionals. They work to support individuals and families in Rhode Island. Their programs are well-regarded and offer a supportive work environment.


  3. WAR Ministry Corporation
    Average Salary: $53,273
    WAR Ministry Corporation offers meaningful Direct Support Professional jobs. They focus on helping individuals in need. They operate in several locations, providing diverse opportunities for professionals.


  4. Worldwide Travel Staffing, Limited
    Average Salary: $52,516
    Worldwide Travel Staffing, Limited provides Direct Support Professional jobs with competitive pay. They offer travel opportunities, allowing professionals to work in different locations. Their programs are designed to support individuals effectively.


  5. A & T Healthcare, LLC
    Average Salary: $51,925
    A & T Healthcare, LLC offers rewarding Direct Support Professional jobs. They focus on providing care for individuals in various settings. They operate in multiple locations, offering diverse opportunities for professionals.


  6. Ocean State Behavioral
    Average Salary: $51,899
    Ocean State Behavioral provides excellent Direct Support Professional jobs. They focus on supporting individuals with behavioral needs. They operate in Rhode Island, offering a supportive work environment.


  7. Telecare Corporation
    Average Salary: $51,477
    Telecare Corporation offers rewarding Direct Support Professional jobs. They focus on providing care for individuals in various settings. They operate in multiple locations, offering diverse opportunities for professionals.


  8. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    Average Salary: $51,081
    The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers Direct Support Professional jobs with competitive pay. They focus on supporting individuals in various settings. They operate throughout Massachusetts, providing diverse opportunities for professionals.


  9. State of Washington
    Average Salary: $50,578
    The State of Washington offers rewarding Direct Support Professional jobs. They focus on providing care for individuals in various settings. They operate throughout Washington, offering diverse opportunities for professionals.


  10. Johnson County Kansas
    Average Salary: $50,491
    Johnson County Kansas offers Direct Support Professional jobs with competitive pay. They focus on supporting individuals in various settings. They operate in Johnson County, Kansas, providing diverse opportunities for professionals.

How to earn more as a Direct Support Professional?

Becoming a Direct Support Professional (DSP) offers a rewarding career path. It also provides opportunities to earn more. DSPs can increase their income through various strategies. These strategies focus on skill development, experience, and career advancement. By taking proactive steps, DSPs can enhance their earning potential.

Here are some key factors to consider for earning more as a DSP:

  1. Certifications: Obtain relevant certifications. These can include CPR, First Aid, and specialized training in areas like autism or mental health. Certifications demonstrate expertise and can lead to higher pay.
  2. Experience: Gain experience in different settings. Working with diverse populations can make a DSP more versatile. It can also open up higher-paying positions.
  3. Education: Pursue higher education. Degrees in social work or related fields can lead to better job opportunities. They can also result in higher salaries.
  4. Networking: Build a professional network. Attend industry events and join professional organizations. Networking can lead to job opportunities and salary negotiations.
  5. Performance: Excel in job performance. Consistently deliver high-quality care. Seek feedback and strive for continuous improvement. Exceptional performance can lead to raises and promotions.

Currently 9,738 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
9,738 Job Openings