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How much do direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for direct support professional in Kentucky is $14.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.55 and $15.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a direct support professional?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are caregivers who assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their daily lives. They help with personal care, medication management, meal preparation, and transportation, while also supporting clients in achieving personal goals and participating in community activities. DSPs play a vital role in promoting independence, dignity, and quality of life for those they support.

What are some common challenges direct support professionals face when supporting individuals with disabilities, and how can they effectively handle them?

Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) often encounter challenges such as managing behavioral outbursts, ensuring effective communication with nonverbal individuals, and balancing the need for independence with safety. Handling these situations requires patience, empathy, and strong problem-solving skills. Many DSPs find it helpful to use individualized behavior support plans, maintain clear communication with team members, and participate in ongoing training. Building trust and understanding the unique needs of each individual also play a key role in overcoming daily challenges.

What is the difference between Direct Support Professional vs Personal Care Assistant?

AspectDirect Support ProfessionalPersonal Care Assistant
CertificationsCPR, First Aid, sometimes specialized trainingCPR, First Aid often required
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals with disabilities in community or residential settingsProviding personal care in private homes or facilities
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, healthcare providersHome care agencies, private clients

Both roles involve assisting individuals with daily activities, often requiring similar certifications like CPR and First Aid. However, Direct Support Professionals typically work in community or residential settings supporting people with disabilities, while Personal Care Assistants mainly provide personal care services in private homes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the role that best matches their skills and career goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a direct support professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic caregiving knowledge, and an understanding of developmental disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, incident reporting tools, and sometimes CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Patience, strong interpersonal skills, and empathy are crucial soft skills for effectively supporting individuals and building trust. These skills are vital for ensuring client safety, promoting independence, and delivering compassionate care tailored to each individual's needs.

Where do direct support professionals get paid the most?

Direct Support Professionals tend to earn higher wages in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare and social services, such as certain metropolitan areas. States or cities with a strong focus on healthcare, social services, or specialized care often offer higher pay rates for this role. Factors like experience, certifications, and the specific employer also influence salary levels.
More about Direct Support Professional jobs
What are popular job titles related to Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky? For Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky look for? The top searched job categories for Direct Support Professional jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Direct Support Professional jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Direct Support Professional job openings:
Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Direct Support Professional job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $29,418 per year, or $14.1 per hour.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) / Caregiver

Dungarvin

Pikeville, KY • On-site

$12.70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Dungarvin rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

99th of 239 rated social care providers

Job description

Company Description
Who we are:
At Dungarvin, we are more than a provider of support services-we're a mission-driven team rooted in respect, response and choice. Since 1976, we've been dedicated to meeting people where they are, working alongside them to provide person centered supports that allow people to live independently as possible. You'll work directly with people in need of assistance, and/or living with intellectual or developmental disabilities, or other complex medical needs.
With services nationwide, our team is united by a shared commitment to making a real difference-one person, one voice, one choice at a time. We encourage you to embrace this opportunity to impact someone's life.
Join our team as a Direct Support Professional / Caregiver in Pikeville, KY!
Pay: Starting $12.70/hr
Current Shifts: Thurs 4 pm - Fri - 8 am, Fri - 4 pm - Sat 4 pm
Mon - 4 pm - 8 am, Tues - 4 pm - 8 am, Wed 4 pm - 8 am
Perks/Benefits:
  • Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance for FT employees
  • Supplemental Insurance
  • Flex Spending and HSA Accounts for FT employees
  • Pet Insurance
  • Life Insurance for FT employees
  • 401 K plan with up to 3% employer match after one year of services
  • PAID TIME OFF (PTO) for eligible employees
  • PTO Donation
  • Growth and Development Opportunities
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • National Brand Discounts
  • Tapcheck - access to 50% of your pay before payday
  • PAID training and orientation

Job Description
What You Get To Do:
A Direct Support Professional (DSP) caregiver provides direct support, positive direction, instruction, and assistance to individuals with mental, intellectual & developmental, and physical disabilities. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals with disabilities to live as independently and comfortably as possible while maintaining their dignity and respect.
  • Provide hands-on assistance, encouragement, mentoring, and guidance.
  • Ensure the comfort, safety, and personal growth of the individuals we serve.
  • Assist with daily living tasks such as moving around, getting in and out of bed, dressing, bathing, toileting, personal hygiene and more.

Why This Role:
  • Personal fulfillment, a meaningful career, and the chance to make a difference.
  • Positively impact someone's life.
  • Gain health care experience to further your career.
  • Reliable work schedule.
  • Varied day-to-day experiences; no two days are the same.

Qualifications
What Makes You A Great Fit:
  • Person-centered, patient, and kind
  • Dependable, adaptable, flexible
  • Observant and detail oriented
  • Positive role-model for others and able to work on a team
  • Committed to creating a respectful and collaborative environment
  • Computer skills for documentation
  • 18 years or older
  • A successful background clearance is required as part of the onboarding/employment process
  • Good communication is key in this role. You'll rely on your reading, writing, and communication skills to document care, follow support plans, and collaborate with both internal and external team members.

Additional Information
We believe in supporting not only those we serve but also each other, ensuring a collaborative and supportive work environment for all. Dungarvin is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any legally protected status per federal and/or state law.
7/8
#DKYJ
Videos To Watch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjAZH-n4lSI

What Dungarvin employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Dungarvin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Individual, family and community social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Mendota Heights, MN, US

Year founded

1976

Social media

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