Disciplines / DSP
Direct Support Professional (DSP)
DSPs support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, work and take part in their communities.
- Advertised pay
- $17/hr – $24/hr
- Credential
- High school diploma; state-specific training and certification
- Live roles
- None open today
What is a Direct Support Professional (DSP), and what does the role pay?
What the role does
- Support daily living, community access and employment goals
- Implement behavior support plans
- Document services to state and Medicaid standards
- Support health and medication routines
Credential and route in
High school diploma; state-specific training and certification · State IDD agencies
- 1High school diploma
- 2Agency and state-mandated training
- 3CPR, first aid and crisis prevention certification
Advertised pay
| Career stage | Advertised pay | What typically sits behind it |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $17/hr | Newly credentialed, supervised caseload |
| Mid-career | $20/hr | Full caseload, independent, some supervision of others |
| Senior | $24/hr | Lead or multi-site scope, clinical quality ownership |
Ranges reflect what we typically see advertised on roles we recruit for in the US. They are a market guide, not a survey, and vary by setting, caseload and experience. Last reviewed August 2026.
Full DSP salary guideWhere DSPs work
Group homes · Day programs · Supported employment · In-home supports
Specialties
- IDD and adult servicesServices for adults and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities: residential, day programs, supported employment and behavioral support.
- Inpatient and residentialPsychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers and PHP programs treating high-acuity mental health presentations.
Demand right now
Perpetual. Vacancy rates in IDD services are the highest in behavioral health.
Hiring DSPs?
Shift structure, overtime policy and lone-working support decide whether DSP hires stay past 90 days.
Submit a roleLive DSP roles
No live DSP roles today. Join the talent network and we will contact you when one opens in your state.
Join the talent networkRelated roles
- Behavioral Health Case Manager (Case Manager)Case managers coordinate care, benefits and community supports so clinical treatment actually reaches the people who need it.$44k – $62k
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)RBTs deliver the direct therapy hours that make ABA work: running programs, collecting data and building rapport with clients session after session.$20/hr – $30/hr