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Direct Support Professional — Job Market — United States

Salary data, skills requirements, and demand insights for Direct Support Professional roles — United States.

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Last Updated: June 1, 2026
Direct Support Professional — Job Market — United States

As of 2026, the Direct Support Professional job market (United States) offers a salary range of $43,433 to $78,179, with a mid-career average of $57,910. The field shows 5% projected growth and approximately 57,500 annual openings. Employers typically seek candidates with Bachelor's degree and 2-7 years of experience, prioritizing skills such as Communication, Problem Solving, crisis intervention, psychology, communicate with youth. Use our free resume test to see how you compare to the typical candidate profile.

Market Overview

57,500 annual job openings (U.S.)
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
$57,910 avg. annual salary
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.
Outlook: 5
10-year projection

Typical Candidate Profile

2-7 experience
Typical for this role
Bachelor's degree
Most common education

Most requested skills:

Communication Problem Solving crisis intervention psychology communicate with youth
Based on U.S. occupation data (O*NET)

Salary Range

$43,433
Entry
$57,910
Mid-Level
$78,179
Senior
Entry
$43,433
Mid-Level
$57,910
Senior
$78,179
Based on U.S. national data (BLS)

Skills Employers Look For

According to job market data for Direct Support Professional positions (United States), employers typically prioritize the following skills and qualifications.

Most valued skills
Communication
Problem Solving
Team Collaboration
Time Management
Problem Solving
Additional skills that give candidates an edge
crisis intervention
psychology
communicate with youth
apply crisis intervention
Computer Skills

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the Direct Support Professional job market — United States.

Based on current market data, Direct Support Professional salaries (United States) range from $43,433 (entry-level) to $78,179 (senior), with a mid-career average around $57,910. Actual compensation depends on experience, company size, location, and specialization.

Employers hiring Direct Support Professional candidates (United States) prioritize skills such as Communication, Problem Solving, crisis intervention, psychology, communicate with youth. No specific certifications are required, but a strong combination of technical expertise and soft skills will make you more competitive.

The Direct Support Professional field (United States) shows 5% projected growth with approximately 57,500 annual openings. A typical mid-career salary is around $57,910. These figures suggest the role offers solid prospects, though individual outcomes depend on qualifications and regional demand.

Employers hiring Direct Support Professional professionals (United States) typically expect Bachelor's degree with 2-7 of relevant experience. Use our free resume test to see exactly how you rank against other candidates.

Our Direct Support Professional market insights (United States) combine data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), O*NET occupational data, ESCO European skills framework, ILOSTAT international labor statistics, and AI-powered analysis calibrated against these authoritative sources.

To stand out as a Direct Support Professional (United States), focus on mastering Communication, Problem Solving, crisis intervention. Tailor your resume to highlight these qualifications — our free resume test provides personalized recommendations.
This site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor/ETA. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. | U.S. employment statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | Skills data from ESCO