How much does a Independent Living Specialist make?
An Independent Living Specialist helps people with disabilities live more independently. This job involves teaching skills and supporting individuals to manage their daily lives. The average yearly salary for this role is around $42,151. This means most specialists earn between $30,000 and $75,000 each year.
The salary can vary based on experience and location. Specialists with more experience often earn more. Those in larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living may also see higher pay. The most common salary range is between $34,105 and $46,418. This range covers the middle 50% of specialists. It shows that many in this field earn a steady income that supports a comfortable lifestyle.
What are the highest paying cities for a Independent Living Specialist?

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Portland, OR
Average Salary: $57,343
In Portland, you can help people live independently while enjoying the city's vibrant culture. Companies like Providence and Kaiser Permanente offer great opportunities. The city's support for mental health services makes this role impactful.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $48,521
San Francisco provides a unique environment to assist individuals in maintaining their independence. With companies like Sutter Health and UCSF Health, you can make a difference. The city's progressive policies support a wide range of services.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $45,392
In San Jose, you can work with tech companies and non-profits to support independent living. Organizations like Stanford Health Care and Kaiser Permanente offer diverse roles. The city's growing population creates many opportunities for growth.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $44,847
Wichita offers a friendly community where you can help people live independently. Companies like Wesley Medical Center and Via Christi provide excellent support. The city's strong sense of community makes this role rewarding.
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Phoenix, AZ
Average Salary: $43,697
Phoenix provides a warm and welcoming environment to assist those living independently. With employers like Banner Health and Valleywise Health, you can find fulfilling work. The city's diverse population offers many opportunities.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $43,382
In Sacramento, you can make a significant impact by helping people live on their own. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and UC Davis Health offer great opportunities. The city's focus on public health creates a supportive work environment.
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Santa Rosa, CA
Average Salary: $42,235
Santa Rosa offers a peaceful setting to support independent living. With employers like Sutter Health and Kaiser Permanente, you can find rewarding work. The city's commitment to community health makes this role important.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $41,841
Minneapolis provides a vibrant city life to assist those living independently. Companies like Allina Health and HealthPartners offer excellent opportunities. The city's strong healthcare system supports many services.
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Buffalo, NY
Average Salary: $41,141
In Buffalo, you can help people live independently while enjoying the city's rich culture. With employers like Kaleida Health and ECMC Health System, you can find fulfilling work. The city's focus on community health creates a supportive environment.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $40,270
San Diego offers a beautiful coastal environment to support independent living. With employers like Scripps Health and Kaiser Permanente, you can find rewarding work. The city's strong healthcare system offers many opportunities.
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What are the best companies a Independent Living Specialist can work for?

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Center for the Independence of the Disabled, New York
Average Salary: $54,300
The Center for the Independence of the Disabled, New York, offers rewarding Independent Living Specialist jobs. They focus on helping individuals with disabilities live independently. They operate in New York City and the surrounding areas.
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Bowery Residents Committee (BRC)
Average Salary: $50,320
Bowery Residents Committee (BRC) provides Independent Living Specialist positions with a competitive salary. They work in New York City, supporting people with disabilities to live independently. BRC is dedicated to improving the quality of life for their clients.
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Channel Islands Social Services
Average Salary: $49,167
Channel Islands Social Services offers Independent Living Specialist jobs with a good salary. They operate in the Channel Islands, providing support to individuals with disabilities. Their focus is on helping clients achieve independence and improve their quality of life.
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BRC
Average Salary: $47,187
BRC offers Independent Living Specialist jobs with a solid salary. They work in New York City, supporting people with disabilities. Their mission is to help clients live independently and improve their overall well-being.
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Meristem
Average Salary: $45,045
Meristem provides Independent Living Specialist positions with a competitive salary. They operate in various locations, offering support to individuals with disabilities. Meristem focuses on helping clients achieve independence and enhance their quality of life.
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SJRC Texas
Average Salary: $45,000
SJRC Texas offers Independent Living Specialist jobs with a good salary. They operate in Texas, providing support to individuals with disabilities. Their goal is to help clients live independently and improve their overall well-being.
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Toolworks
Average Salary: $43,800
Toolworks provides Independent Living Specialist positions with a solid salary. They offer support to individuals with disabilities in various locations. Toolworks focuses on helping clients achieve independence and enhance their quality of life.
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Thrive Support Services, Inc.
Average Salary: $43,717
Thrive Support Services, Inc. offers Independent Living Specialist jobs with a good salary. They operate in multiple locations, providing support to individuals with disabilities. Their mission is to help clients achieve independence and improve their overall well-being.
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WNYIL, Inc.
Average Salary: $42,560
WNYIL, Inc. provides Independent Living Specialist positions with a solid salary. They offer support to individuals with disabilities in Western New York. Their focus is on helping clients live independently and improve their quality of life.
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Education & Training Resources
Average Salary: $41,077
Education & Training Resources offers Independent Living Specialist jobs with a good salary. They operate in various locations, providing support to individuals with disabilities. Their goal is to help clients achieve independence and enhance their quality of life.
How to earn more as a Independent Living Specialist?
An Independent Living Specialist can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. Building a strong network within the community can lead to more referrals and job opportunities. Engaging with local organizations, attending workshops, and participating in community events can help establish connections. Another factor is gaining specialized certifications. These can enhance skills and make a specialist more valuable to employers. Certifications in areas like mental health support, disability services, or case management can open up higher-paying positions.
Continuing education is also crucial. Attending seminars and taking advanced courses can keep skills up-to-date and improve job performance. Specialists who stay informed about the latest trends and best practices can command higher salaries. Additionally, taking on leadership roles or supervisory positions can increase earnings. These roles often come with higher pay and more responsibilities. Finally, negotiating salaries effectively can make a significant difference. Researching market rates and understanding the value of one's experience can lead to better compensation packages.
Here are five key factors to consider:
- Build a strong network within the community.
- Gain specialized certifications.
- Continue education through seminars and courses.
- Take on leadership roles or supervisory positions.
- Negotiate salaries effectively.