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Direct care provider salary
Average direct care provider salary
$14.17
Understanding Direct Care Provider Salaries
A Direct Care Provider plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with disabilities or health challenges, helping them with essential daily activities. As of October 2025, the average salary for this position is $29,470 per year, translating to around $14 per hour. This salary can vary significantly based on factors such as state, years of experience, and specific job responsibilities.
Salary Variations by State
In states like California and New York, Direct Care Providers often earn higher salaries due to the cost of living and demand for these services. For instance, the highest paying states for this role include:
- California
- New York
- Massachusetts
Additionally, the position can be further lucrative in metropolitan areas where demand for healthcare services is higher. In cities like San Francisco and New York City, salaries can exceed the national average, making these locations attractive for job seekers.
For those entering this field, understanding the salary landscape can significantly impact career decisions. It is advisable to consider local job markets and explore opportunities for advancement within this rewarding profession.
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Where can a Direct Care Provider earn more?
Average direct care provider salary by state
The average direct care provider salary in Alaska, Idaho, and California are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average direct care provider salary states are Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Virginia.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for direct care providers
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maine | $32,728 | $15.73 |
| 2 | Michigan | $29,478 | $14.17 |
| 3 | New York | $30,549 | $14.69 |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $32,078 | $15.42 |
| 5 | Oregon | $31,946 | $15.36 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | $31,239 | $15.02 |
| 7 | Idaho | $33,401 | $16.06 |
| 8 | Nevada | $29,560 | $14.21 |
| 9 | Wisconsin | $28,449 | $13.68 |
| 10 | Vermont | $30,963 | $14.89 |
| 11 | Rhode Island | $29,290 | $14.08 |
| 12 | Washington | $32,458 | $15.60 |
| 13 | New Jersey | $32,275 | $15.52 |
| 14 | Alaska | $33,613 | $16.16 |
| 15 | West Virginia | $26,794 | $12.88 |
| 16 | South Dakota | $27,706 | $13.32 |
| 17 | California | $32,874 | $15.80 |
| 18 | Delaware | $27,393 | $13.17 |
| 19 | Iowa | $26,158 | $12.58 |
| 20 | Arizona | $27,356 | $13.15 |
| 21 | Minnesota | $26,526 | $12.75 |
| 22 | Ohio | $25,882 | $12.44 |
| 23 | Connecticut | $30,403 | $14.62 |
| 24 | Pennsylvania | $26,734 | $12.85 |
| 25 | Wyoming | $26,707 | $12.84 |
| 26 | Hawaii | $32,479 | $15.61 |
| 27 | Montana | $26,166 | $12.58 |
| 28 | Maryland | $28,714 | $13.80 |
| 29 | Illinois | $27,002 | $12.98 |
| 30 | Kentucky | $26,388 | $12.69 |
| 31 | North Dakota | $24,731 | $11.89 |
| 32 | Utah | $27,333 | $13.14 |
| 33 | New Mexico | $26,104 | $12.55 |
| 34 | Missouri | $24,768 | $11.91 |
| 35 | District of Columbia | $29,420 | $14.14 |
| 36 | Nebraska | $25,097 | $12.07 |
| 37 | Colorado | $26,516 | $12.75 |
| 38 | Kansas | $24,858 | $11.95 |
| 39 | North Carolina | $23,458 | $11.28 |
| 40 | Indiana | $24,658 | $11.85 |
| 41 | Georgia | $24,114 | $11.59 |
| 42 | South Carolina | $23,143 | $11.13 |
| 43 | Oklahoma | $23,028 | $11.07 |
| 44 | Louisiana | $22,878 | $11.00 |
| 45 | Tennessee | $23,956 | $11.52 |
| 46 | Mississippi | $21,706 | $10.44 |
| 47 | Florida | $24,039 | $11.56 |
| 48 | Texas | $23,461 | $11.28 |
| 49 | Virginia | $22,685 | $10.91 |
| 50 | Alabama | $21,475 | $10.32 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $21,730 | $10.45 |
Highest paying cities for direct care providers
The highest-paying cities for direct care providers are Olympia, WA, Trenton, NJ, and Manchester, NH.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Olympia, WA | $32,973 | $15.85 |
| 2 | Trenton, NJ | $32,077 | $15.42 |
| 3 | Manchester, NH | $32,067 | $15.42 |
| 4 | Riverside, CA | $31,983 | $15.38 |
| 5 | Poughkeepsie, NY | $30,679 | $14.75 |
| 6 | New Britain, CT | $30,408 | $14.62 |
| 7 | Madison, WI | $28,093 | $13.51 |
| 8 | Buckeye, AZ | $27,521 | $13.23 |
| 9 | Mount Prospect, IL | $27,208 | $13.08 |
| 10 | Colorado Springs, CO | $26,450 | $12.72 |
| 11 | Georgetown, KY | $26,437 | $12.71 |
| 12 | Pittsburgh, PA | $25,610 | $12.31 |
| 13 | El Paso, TX | $24,964 | $12.00 |
Direct care provider salary details
A direct care provider's salary ranges from $20,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $42,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a direct care provider's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $42,000 | $3,500 | $20 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,000 | $2,917 | $17 |
| Average | $29,470 | $2,456 | $14 |
| 25th Percentile | $24,000 | $2,000 | $12 |
| 10th Percentile | $20,000 | $1,667 | $10 |
Highest paying direct care provider jobs
The highest paying types of direct care providers are provider, health care provider, and direct support specialist.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attending, Ambulatory Care | $29,626 | $2,469 | $14.24 | 169,412 |
| Direct Support Staff | $31,268 | $2,606 | $15.03 | 182,001 |
| Home Care Attendant | $26,059 | $2,172 | $12.53 | 235,912 |
| Personal Care Worker | $29,490 | $2,458 | $14.18 | 129,522 |
| Direct Support Professional | $32,077 | $2,673 | $15.42 | 142,034 |
| Provider | $61,912 | $5,159 | $29.77 | 112,186 |
Top companies hiring direct care providers now:
Which companies pay direct care providers the most?
Direct care provider salaries at Washington State University and Lifesteps are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average direct care provider salary at companies like Family Care and Rainier Christian Schools are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington State University | $39,727 | $19.10 |
| 2 | Lifesteps | $33,932 | $16.31 |
| 3 | Family Care | $31,782 | $15.28 |
| 4 | Rainier Christian Schools | $30,999 | $14.90 |
| 5 | Pediatric Partners, now a member of the Sevita family | $30,670 | $14.75 |
| 6 | Yukon Kuskokwim Health | $30,219 | $14.53 |
| 7 | Lifetime Assistance | $30,035 | $14.44 |
| 8 | St. Francis Health Services of Morris | $29,752 | $14.30 |
| 9 | Civitan Foundation | $29,734 | $14.30 |
| 10 | Horace Mann | $29,438 | $14.15 |
| 11 | Advocates | $29,333 | $14.10 |
| 12 | Acld | $29,083 | $13.98 |
| 13 | Maryville Academy | $28,927 | $13.91 |
| 14 | The Arc Mercer | $28,785 | $13.84 |
| 15 | Pathlight | $28,696 | $13.80 |
| 16 | NORTH | $28,664 | $13.78 |
| 17 | Ethan Allen Workforce Solutions | $28,647 | $13.77 |
| 18 | Easter Seals South Florida | $28,491 | $13.70 |
| 19 | Colorado State Express | $28,483 | $13.69 |
| 20 | Everest Holdings LLC | $28,483 | $13.69 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Direct Care Provider salary by industry
The average direct care provider salary varies across industries:
- The average direct care provider salary in the health care industry is $29,461, the highest of any industry.
- The average direct care provider salary in the finance industry is $29,046.
- Direct care providers in the non profits industry earn an average salary of $28,759, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for direct care providers
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Health Care | $29,461 | $14.16 |
| 2 | Professional | $29,046 | $13.96 |
| 3 | Government | $29,041 | $13.96 |
| 4 | Non Profits | $28,759 | $13.83 |
High paying direct care provider jobs
Direct care provider salary trends
The average direct care provider salary has risen by $8,449 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average direct care provider earned $21,021 annually, but today, they earn $29,470 a year. That works out to a 26% change in pay for direct care providers over the last decade.
Compare direct care provider salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average direct care provider salary over time
Compare direct care provider salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Direct care provider salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $29,500 | $14.17 | +6.8% |
| 2025 | $27,500 | $13.21 | +6.9% |
| 2024 | $25,600 | $12.30 | +3.8% |
| 2023 | $24,600 | $11.83 | +5.1% |
| 2022 | $23,400 | $11.23 | +4.3% |
Recently added direct care provider salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centre for Neuro Skills | Caregiver/Direct Care Provider | Bakersfield, CA | 06/28/2025 | $43,827 |
| Southwest Behavioral & Health Services Careers | Direct Care Provider-Inpatient | Phoenix, AZ | 06/27/2025 | $33,392 |
| Graceworks Enhanced Living | Weekend Direct Care Provider | Springdale, OH | 06/27/2025 | $33,392 |
| Tri County Services | Direct Care Provider | Cleveland, TX | 06/24/2025 | $26,296 |
| Fairmount Cemetery Company | Funeral Directing and Preplanning-Family Care Provider | Denver, CO | 06/21/2025 | $32,000 |
| Centre for Neuro Skills | Caregiver/Direct Care Provider | Austin, TX | 06/19/2025 | $39,653 |
| Road To Responsibility | Direct Care 2 A | Brockton, MA | 06/18/2025 | $41,740 |
| Sevita | Direct Care Provider | Blaine, MN | 06/17/2025 | $40,843 |
| Goodwill of The Great Plains | Direct Care Provider-One-To-One Position-GGP Support Center | Sioux City, IA | 06/16/2025 | $39,048 |
| Goodwillgreatplains | Direct Care Provider-One-To-One Position-GGP Support Center | Sioux City, IA | 06/16/2025 | $39,048 |
Direct care provider salary FAQs
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