Post job

Homemaker vs direct support staff

The differences between homemakers and direct support staff can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a direct support staff has an average salary of $31,268, which is higher than the $26,588 average annual salary of a homemaker.

The top three skills for a homemaker include home health, nutritious meals and run errands. The most important skills for a direct support staff are direct support, direct care, and transport clients.

Homemaker vs direct support staff overview

HomemakerDirect Support Staff
Yearly salary$26,588$31,268
Hourly rate$12.78$15.03
Growth rate36%36%
Number of jobs58,809182,001
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 28%Bachelor's Degree, 30%
Average age4848
Years of experience--

What does a homemaker do?

Homemakers specialize in performing daily tasks related to cleanliness, organization, and other household routine activities such as cooking and laundry. Furthermore, a homemaker may also be responsible for looking after the care or welfare of children or the elderly. Among the duties may revolve around managing their schedules and assisting them in basic hygienic needs such as bathing, dressing, and feeding if necessary. A homemaker can also take charge of budgeting, often having to purchase groceries regularly and pay bills.

What does a direct support staff do?

The direct support staff is an individual who takes responsibility for the overall care of people with developmental disabilities. Direct support professionals work directly with developmental illness patients in long-term health care facilities. They perform their jobs as home health and companion care providers who assist their clients in their daily movements and actions. It is their duty to ensure the comfort and safety of their clients. Also, they encourage behaviors and attitudes which strengthen community inclusion.

Homemaker vs direct support staff salary

Homemakers and direct support staff have different pay scales, as shown below.

HomemakerDirect Support Staff
Average salary$26,588$31,268
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $34,000Between $18,000 And $53,000
Highest paying CityBeverly, MASanta Maria, CA
Highest paying stateMaineCalifornia
Best paying companyAmedisysRockwell Medical
Best paying industryHealth CareProfessional

Differences between homemaker and direct support staff education

There are a few differences between a homemaker and a direct support staff in terms of educational background:

HomemakerDirect Support Staff
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 28%Bachelor's Degree, 30%
Most common majorBusinessPsychology
Most common college--

Homemaker vs direct support staff demographics

Here are the differences between homemakers' and direct support staff' demographics:

HomemakerDirect Support Staff
Average age4848
Gender ratioMale, 6.8% Female, 93.2%Male, 24.7% Female, 75.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.9% Asian, 7.6% White, 59.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 10.0% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 8.0% White, 59.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between homemaker and direct support staff duties and responsibilities

Homemaker example responsibilities.

  • Manage everyday household duties of being a mom and wife
  • Care for children, administer budget, shop for groceries and other household items, run errands.
  • Assist Alzheimer's patient with daily tasks e.g.
  • Volunteer at local school as PTO president and treasurer.
  • Assist with ADL's, plan and prepare meals for elderly person
  • Assist Alzheimer's patient with business, health, and personal needs.
  • Show more

Direct support staff example responsibilities.

  • Ensure HIPAA compliance and provide client education.
  • Perform first aid, CPR and seizure care when require.
  • Assist mentally disable adults with ADL such as bathing cooking clothing, cleaning and medication administration.
  • Administer medication, provide transportation, assist with ADL skills, and inspire consumers to be independent.
  • Provide caring and companionship to elderly and developmentally disable consumers and provide primary resident care and assistance with daily living activities.
  • Maintain a safe and supportive environment while learning proper case management and the importance of ISP's and BSP's.
  • Show more

Homemaker vs direct support staff skills

Common homemaker skills
  • Home Health, 25%
  • Nutritious Meals, 19%
  • RUN Errands, 6%
  • Home Management, 6%
  • Patient Care, 3%
  • Meal Prep, 3%
Common direct support staff skills
  • Direct Support, 17%
  • Direct Care, 11%
  • Transport Clients, 11%
  • Good Judgment, 9%
  • Home Maintenance, 7%
  • Ongoing Support, 7%

Browse personal care and attendants jobs