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Direct support worker education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
Usually, direct support workers don't need a college education. The most common degree for direct support workers is bachelor's degree with 34% graduates, with only 25% direct support worker graduates earning high school diploma. Direct support workers who decided to graduate from college often finish University of Louisiana at Lafayette or Remington College. Some good skills to have in this position include developmental disabilities, cpr and home health.

What education do you need to become a direct support worker?

What degree do you need to be a direct support worker?

The most common degree for direct support workers is bachelor's degree, with 34% of direct support workers earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are high school diploma degree at 25% and high school diploma degree at 20%.
  • Bachelor's, 34%
  • High School Diploma, 25%
  • Associate, 20%
  • Diploma, 10%
  • Other Degrees, 11%

What should I major in to become a direct support worker?

You should major in psychology to become a direct support worker. 16% of direct support workers major in psychology. Other common majors for a direct support worker include general studies and nursing.

Best majors for direct support workers

20 best online courses for direct support workers

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Average direct support worker salary by education level

According to our data, direct support workers with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $31,437 annually. Direct support workers with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $30,761.
Direct support worker education levelDirect support worker salary
Master's Degree$31,437
High School Diploma or Less$29,190
Bachelor's Degree$30,761
Some College/ Associate Degree$30,325

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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