Developmental Services Worker
A program that prepares individuals to apply practical knowledge and skills to support individuals with a variety of physical, mental or developmental disabilities in a family or community setting. Includes instruction in health care, basic nutrition, pharmacology, nursing, autism, mental health, psychology, sociology, behavioral analysis, communication, intervention, counseling and community services, and developmental services, such as literacy and life skills training.
- Schools offering
- 4
- Annual completions
- 18
- Typical degree level
- Associate's + Bachelor's
- Median earnings (5yr)
- $43k
About this major
A program that prepares individuals to apply practical knowledge and skills to support individuals with a variety of physical, mental or developmental disabilities in a family or community setting. Includes instruction in health care, basic nutrition, pharmacology, nursing, autism, mental health, psychology, sociology, behavioral analysis, communication, intervention, counseling and community services, and developmental services, such as literacy and life skills training.
Where this major leads
Occupations most often associated with this major, from the federal BLS+O*NET crosswalk. Job-growth projections and median wages are national.
| Occupation | Median wage | Job growth | Typical education |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social and human service assistants | $45k | +6.4% | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Community and social service specialists, all other | $55k | +4.6% | Bachelor's degree |
Earnings at a glance
Median graduate earnings from the federal College Scorecard, 5 and 10 years out.
Median 5-year earnings
$43k
Associate's vs Bachelor's — early-career earnings
Associate's
$35k
Bachelor's
$48k
Top colleges for Developmental Services Worker
Ranked by annual completions at the associate's or bachelor's level — a proxy for program scale.
| College | Location | Assoc. | Bach. | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Shore Community College | Danvers, MA | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Great Basin College | Elko, NV | 0 | 5 | 5 |
| Anoka Technical College | Anoka, MN | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Connecticut State Community College | New Britain, CT | 2 | 0 | 2 |
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