Direct Support Professional salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Direct Support Professional in United States is approximately 28,298 USD (28,325 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Direct Support Professional do?

A Direct Support Professional (DSP) is an essential occupation that involves providing assistance and support to individuals with disabilities or special needs. DSPs work in a variety of settings, including residential homes, group homes, day programs, and community centers. Their primary role is to help individuals develop and maintain independence by assisting with daily living activities such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication administration, and transportation. DSPs also provide emotional support, companionship, and engage individuals in recreational and social activities. They may also assist with behavior management, skill development, and implementation of individualized care plans. This occupation requires strong communication, empathy, patience, and the ability to adapt to different situations.

Skills: Direct Support Professional, Disability Support, Special Needs Care, Personal Care Assistant, Developmental Disabilities, Community Support
Job industry: Healthcare

How much does Direct Support Professional make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Direct Support Professional a well paid job?

No / we do not have enough data to assess this.

What is considered a high salary for Direct Support Professional?

High salary for Direct Support Professional would be somewhere between 31,128 USD and 41,032 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Direct Support Professional in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 28,298 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 2,358 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 544 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 14 USD per hour
By working as Direct Support Professional a person can save up to 80 USD per month or 965 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Canada, Mexico.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Direct Support Professional

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in United States

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Claims administrator (44,367 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Principal process development engineer (140,380 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Security director (91,269 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Hr clerk (31,686 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Regulatory affairs associate (59,929 USD per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results