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How much do full time direct support professional jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time 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 are Full Time Direct Support Professionals?

Full Time Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are individuals who work directly with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, assisting them with daily living activities, personal care, and community involvement. DSPs help clients achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life by supporting them in areas such as communication, social skills, and personal growth. They often work in group homes, residential facilities, or clients' private residences, providing compassionate care and advocacy on a full-time basis.

What does a typical day look like for a Full Time Direct Support Professional, and how does the role interact with clients and team members?

A typical day for a Full Time Direct Support Professional (DSP) involves providing hands-on support to individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities, assisting with daily living activities such as meal preparation, medication reminders, and personal care. DSPs often collaborate closely with other team members, including case managers, nurses, and therapists, to ensure coordinated care and support tailored to each client’s needs. Open communication and flexibility are essential since daily routines can change based on client schedules and needs. Building trusting relationships with clients and fostering a supportive environment are central to the role, making teamwork and empathy key to success.

Is being a DSP a stressful job?

Being a full-time direct support professional can be stressful due to the physical and emotional demands of assisting individuals with disabilities, managing challenging behaviors, and maintaining safety. The job often requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle unpredictable situations, which can contribute to stress levels.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

Full Time Direct Support Professionals typically do not earn $10,000 a month without additional certifications or specialized experience. High-paying roles that can reach this level without a degree often include sales, real estate, skilled trades, or entrepreneurship, which rely on skills, experience, and performance rather than formal education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Direct Support Professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Direct Support Professional, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong interpersonal skills, and experience in caregiving or working with individuals with disabilities. Familiarity with documentation systems, basic healthcare protocols, and optional certifications such as CPR/First Aid are valuable. Patience, empathy, reliability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills that enable positive relationships and support for clients. These skills ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of individuals receiving care, while also facilitating collaboration with families and colleagues.

What is the difference between Full Time Direct Support Professional vs Part Time Direct Support Professional?

AspectFull Time Direct Support ProfessionalPart Time Direct Support Professional
Work HoursTypically 30-40 hours per weekLess than 30 hours per week
CertificationsOften requires similar certifications (e.g., CPR, First Aid)Same certifications usually required
Work EnvironmentConsistent schedule, full-day shiftsFlexible, shorter shifts
Employer UsageCommon in full-service agencies and facilitiesUsed in part-time roles or supplemental positions

Full Time Direct Support Professionals work more hours per week, often with a consistent schedule, providing ongoing support. Part Time Direct Support Professionals work fewer hours, offering flexibility but less overall weekly support. Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but the commitment level differs.

How can I make $2000 a week working from home?

A Full Time Direct Support Professional typically earns a set hourly wage and may work flexible hours, but earning $2000 weekly from this role alone is uncommon. To reach that income level, some professionals supplement their income with additional shifts, certifications, or by working in higher-paying roles within healthcare or support services. Building experience, obtaining relevant certifications, and working in high-demand environments can help increase earning potential.

What is the 3 month rule for jobs?

The 3 month rule for a Full Time Direct Support Professional typically refers to a probationary period of three months during which an employee's performance and fit for the role are evaluated. Successful completion of this period often leads to permanent employment status and eligibility for benefits. During this time, employees are usually expected to demonstrate reliability, adherence to policies, and effective support skills.
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Full Time Direct Support Professional jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Direct Support Professional job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,871 per year, or $16.3 per hour.

Full-time Direct Support Professional (1st Shift)

The Burton Center For Disabilities & Special Needs

Saluda, SC

$12.75 - $15.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Burton Center is looking for a full-time (40 hours per week) Direct Support Professional (DSP) to add to our dynamic team! DSP fulfill the Burton Center mission to develop and discover unlimited potential in adults with disabilities and special needs. Through coaching, training, community advocacy, verbal prompts, and hands-on support as needed, Direct Support Professionals promote individuals to have the best quality of life. If you are a creative, energetic, and caring person, this position is for you!

About Burton Center

Burton Center is a non-profit disability and special needs board. Our organization was created in 1971 to provide essential services to individuals with disabilities and special needs and to offer much needed assistance to their families. Over the last five decades, we have been able to expand our range ofservices. With locations in Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Lexington, McCormick, Ware Shoals, and Saluda counties, Burton Center's staff of 325, assists over 500 people. Our services are provided free of charge to those who meet specific eligibility criteria by the South Carolina Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We offer Day Programs, Residential Services, and Employment Placement Programs.

About the Position

This is a first shift, full-time position. The hours range from 7:00am - 4:15pm, totaling 40 hours per week. This position is a part of Burton Center's Day Program.

As a Direct Support Professional at the Day Program, your role will be pivotal in creating the best quality of life for adults with disabilities and special needs who participate in this program. Using person-centered support, you will implement effective training programs, encourage independence and community engagement, and provide direct care with self-help skills and personal hygiene. Our team will provide in-depth training on how to provide quality, direct care that may include toileting and changing incontinence briefs, administering medication, feeding assistance, or any individualized care needed. You will be able to encourage a positive and healthy lifestyle by teaching from a designated curriculum, following behavioral support plans, and participating in planned outings, hobbies, or activities. You will also be provided with a Chromebook to track individuals' objectives and complete progress reports using the online system, Therap. Thorough in-person training and on-the-job training will also prepare you to drive Burton Center vehicles, operate wheelchair lifts safely, use therapeutic options, and provide Basic Life Support and MedTech certifications.

Required Qualifications

SC Driver's License

Ability to lift or maneuver up to 50lbs,

Ability to stand or walk for long periods of time,

Ability to be adaptive, a team player, and advocate for others

Excellent oral and written communication skills

How To Apply

Please apply online through Burton Center's website at www.burtoncenter.org under Employment Opportunities. Once you have submitted your completed application, an HR representative will reach out to set up an interview if you are a qualified candidate.

All newly hired Burton Center staff must complete a mandatory in-person orientation, MedTech, and complete all assigned online training prior to on-the-job training. Orientation is held once a month, over the course of three days, from 9am-5pm.

2026 Orientation dates*

*Please note these dates are subject to change. We provide the tentative dates in advance to inform applicants of job requirements

March 24th-26th and 31st
April 21st-23rd and 30th
May 19th-21st and 28th
June 2nd-4th and 18th
July 14th-16th and 23rd
Aug 11th-13th and 20th
Sep 8th-10th and 17th
Oct 6th-8th and 15th
Nov 17th-19th and 25th
Dec 1-3 and 22nd

Apply