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How much do enhanced direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for enhanced direct support professional in the United States is $16.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an enhanced direct support professional?

Enhanced Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who provide specialized care and support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They perform duties beyond those of standard DSPs by assisting clients with complex medical, behavioral, or physical needs. Enhanced DSPs often receive additional training to handle challenging situations, administer medications, and implement individualized care plans. Their work ensures that individuals can live as independently as possible while maintaining safety and well-being.

How does an enhanced direct support professional collaborate with other healthcare team members to support individuals with complex needs?

As an Enhanced Direct Support Professional, you will regularly collaborate with nurses, therapists, case managers, and family members to ensure comprehensive care for individuals with complex behavioral or medical needs. Team meetings and regular communication are vital for sharing updates, discussing care plans, and coordinating interventions. This collaborative approach helps to provide consistent support, address challenges proactively, and promote the best outcomes for each individual. Being able to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team is a key aspect of the role.

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

To thrive as an Enhanced Direct Support Professional, you typically need experience in direct care, a high school diploma or equivalent, and specialized training in supporting individuals with complex needs. Familiarity with electronic documentation systems, CPR/First Aid certification, and behavioral intervention techniques is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, patience, and problem-solving abilities help professionals build trust and effectively support clients’ independence. These competencies are crucial for ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.

What is the difference between Enhanced Direct Support Professional vs Direct Support Professional?

AspectEnhanced Direct Support ProfessionalDirect Support Professional
CertificationsMay require specialized training or certifications in behavioral support or medication administrationTypically requires basic certification or training in caregiving or support services
Work EnvironmentWorks with individuals with complex needs, often in community or residential settingsProvides general support to individuals with developmental disabilities in various settings
Job ResponsibilitiesIncludes behavioral interventions, medication management, and advanced support tasksFocuses on daily living assistance, companionship, and basic support activities

Enhanced Direct Support Professionals have specialized training and handle more complex needs, including behavioral and medication support, compared to standard Direct Support Professionals who focus on basic daily assistance. Both roles are vital in supporting individuals with disabilities, but the enhanced role involves additional skills and responsibilities.

Is being an enhanced direct support professional worth it?

Enhanced Direct Support Professionals provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, often working in community or residential settings. The role offers opportunities for meaningful impact, requires patience and communication skills, and typically involves certifications such as CPR and first aid; compensation varies by location and experience. Whether it is worth it depends on personal fulfillment and career goals in the human services field.

What qualifications do I need for an Enhanced Direct Support Professional job?

Enhanced Direct Support Professionals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may require certification in CPR and first aid. Relevant skills include strong communication, patience, and the ability to work with individuals with disabilities; some positions may also require background checks and training specific to the setting.

Where do enhanced direct support professionals get paid the most?

Enhanced 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. Salaries can also vary based on experience, certifications, and the specific employer or state regulations.

What cities are hiring for Enhanced Direct Support Professional jobs?

Cities with the most Enhanced Direct Support Professional job openings:

What states have the most Enhanced Direct Support Professional jobs?

States with the most job openings for Enhanced Direct Support Professional jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Enhanced Direct Support Professional jobs?

For Enhanced Direct Support Professional jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Enhanced Direct Support Professional job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,871 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Direct Support Professional

Coraopolis, PA • On-site

Merakey
Non-Profits • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Merakeyexternal

$19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 11 days ago

Merakey rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position: Direct Support Professional
Location: Coraopolis PA,
Pay Rate: Earn up to $19.00/hour with selection of Enhanced Pay option; earn $17.00/hour without selection of Enhanced Pay..

Shifts available: Evenings, Overnights and Weekends

Merakey is Hiring Direct Support Professionals!
Merakey, a leading non-profit provider of developmental and behavioral health services, is seeking mission-driven, compassionate, and reliable individuals to join our team in Coraopolis, PA in our Home and Community Division.

Whether you're an experienced Caregiver, Direct Care Worker, Home Health Aide, or someone looking to start a meaningful career in human services - this is your opportunity. No experience required - we provide paid training!

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide direct care and support with activities of daily living (ADLs)
  • Assist with personal care, hygiene, mobility, and meal preparation
  • Support life skills development, including household tasks and social skills
  • Provide community support, transportation
  • Promote health, safety, and well-being, including medication support (as trained)
  • Complete required documentation, progress notes, and service logs

To see what our current DSP say about working at Merakey, click here......DSP Spotlight Page

To see what it's all about, click here....DSP Position: IDD Services

Why Being a DSP at Merakey is a Great Opportunity:

As a Direct Support Professional (DSP), you'll work alongside a passionate team to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You'll help them build independence, develop social and communication skills, and navigate daily living activities like personal care, housekeeping, and community engagement.

Spend your days making memories - from trips to the park and sensory gardens to helping individuals achieve their personal goals. You'll be a mentor, coach, and advocate.

What Merakey Offers YOU:

We believe in giving back to our team. Merakey provides:

  • DailyPay - access your earnings when you need them
  • Flexible Schedules & Work-Life Balance
  • Health, Dental, Eye, and Ear Benefits
  • Employee Referral Bonuses
  • Care.com Membership
  • Cell Phone Discounts
  • Paid Training & Career Development Opportunities

Merakey is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer! We deeply value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ethnic background, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, or disability status. Moreover, we are committed to creating teams that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Merakey welcomes all Veterans to apply!

Ready to make a difference?
Apply today at www.merakey.org/careers to learn more.

  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Related experience is helpful.

What Merakey employees say

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About Merakey

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Merakey is a leading developmental, behavioral health, and education non-profit provider with a fifty-year history. We offer a breadth of integrated services to individuals and communities across the country. Our belief that every individual has the right to achieve growth, dignity, and fulfillment guides all of our decisions. At Merakey, we care about each other and are committed to providing the very best care to those we serve. Merakey strictly follows a zero-tolerance policy for abuse.

Industry

Non-profits

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Lafayette Hill, PA, US

Year founded

1960

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