Q: How much does a DSP make a year?

A DSP makes approximately $30,800 per year. Some may go slightly above the national average and bring home $35,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and qualifications. Some states, such as Alaska, will pay well over the national average based on services needed in that locale. The state of Alaska is reported to pay approximately 32% higher than other states offering the same position. Conversely, individuals in Florida see a 13% decrease in salary due to state regulations and a possible oversaturation of DSPs in the area.

Q: Is direct support professional a good job?

Yes, direct support professional is a good job. In fact, most direct support professionals report a more fulfilling experience. While many have also reported that income and stress do not balance each other out, the individuals they assist mostly provide a reason to continue doing the work as they watch them progress.

Question 1

How do I get DSP certified?

Accepted Answer

You get DSP certified by finding an accredited program in your state specifically designed to ensure you've gained proper baseline training. DSP certifications can vary from state to state, so be sure that you understand the requirements for your current location.

Question 2

How long is DSP training?

Accepted Answer

DSP training can take anywhere from 70 hours at minimum to a maximum of 100 hours, though the final training time does rely heavily on the state. There are different tiers involved in training, such as regulatory legal training, behavioral analysis and support, and developmental disabilities, along with a slew of others.

Question 3

What is a direct support professional certification?

Accepted Answer

A direct support professional certification is a license that allows an individual to work with others who have developmental hurdles. Direct support professionals must undergo a state-mandated course and test to receive their certification. This certification is necessary to ensure the individual has the appropriate knowledge and practices to care for their clients.

Question 4

What is a good starting salary for a Direct Support Professional?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a direct support professional is $18,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a direct support professional in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for direct support professionals is $29,981, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a direct support professional can vary by state.

Question 5

Can a direct support professional make 100k?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot make $100,000 per year as a direct support professional. It is highly unlikely to earn over $100k because the average annual salary for a direct support professional is $29,981. Even direct support professionals in higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $49,000 per year.

Question 6

Do you need a degree to be a direct support professional?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need a degree to be a direct support professional. Direct support professionals may want to at least receive CPR training and understand basic, life-saving techniques. They should also know and understand how to administer the principles behind several home-based medical care techniques.

Question 7

How much does a DSP make a year?

Accepted Answer

A DSP makes approximately $30,800 per year. Some may go slightly above the national average and bring home $35,000 per year, depending on location, experience, and qualifications.

Some states, such as Alaska, will pay well over the national average based on services needed in that locale. The state of Alaska is reported to pay approximately 32% higher than other states offering the same position. Conversely, individuals in Florida see a 13% decrease in salary due to state regulations and a possible oversaturation of DSPs in the area.

Question 8

Is direct support professional a good job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, direct support professional is a good job. In fact, most direct support professionals report a more fulfilling experience. While many have also reported that income and stress do not balance each other out, the individuals they assist mostly provide a reason to continue doing the work as they watch them progress.

Question 9

What percentage of Direct Support Professionals are female?

Accepted Answer

74.0% of direct support professionals are female in the United States. This is -0.7 percentage points lower than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female direct support professionals has decreased by -4.2 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 57,545 female direct support professionals in the U.S. and 20,219 male direct support professionals in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 77,764 people with the specific job title of direct support professional and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 10

How do you describe DSP experience on a resume?

Accepted Answer

You describe direct support professional (DSP) experience on a resume by listing all relevant skills and experience, both your education as well as the job experience. Additionally, it will be important to note the courses you completed in university, your internship experience, as well as your state licensing.

Question 11

How would you describe a direct support professional's job?

Accepted Answer

The job of a direct support professional can be described as someone who cares for individuals experiencing developmental or intellectual disabilities or illnesses. Their main duties typically include helping patients complete basic housekeeping tasks, transporting patients to appointments, or other social outings.

Question 12

What should I put on my resume for direct support professional?

Accepted Answer

A resume for a direct support professional should include all relevant skills and experience both in your education and the job experience. Additionally, it will be important to note the courses you completed in university, your internship experience, as well as your state licensing.

Question 13

What does a direct support professional (DSP) do?

Accepted Answer

A direct support professional (DSP) works with people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. Their goal is to help people learn how to do things for themselves so that they can be fully integrated into society. DSPs have DSP certification, which ensures they are qualified.

Frequently asked questions about direct support professionals

Questions about becoming a direct support professional