by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 11 U.S. colleges awarded 78 degrees and certificates in Developmental Services Worker. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 68% of graduates. College Factual ranks 2 schools in its 2027 Best Developmental Services Worker Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $33,342 one year after completing, rising to $46,113 after four years.
A degree in Developmental Services Worker explores 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.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., developmental services worker draws strong interest, with 78 degrees awarded annually. 11 colleges award developmental services worker degrees, an average of 7 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 15.
By level, the 78 awards include 2 certificates, 20 associate degrees, 3 bachelor’s degrees and 53 master’s degrees.
Women earned 86% of developmental services worker degrees and certificates in the latest year (67 of 78). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (53) and Black or African American (11).
College Factual ranks 2 schools in its 2027 Best Developmental Services Worker Schools ranking. It also ranks developmental services worker schools within 1 state. In all, 11 colleges offer developmental services worker programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Developmental Services Worker Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common developmental services worker credential is the master’s degree: 53 of the 78 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to developmental services worker call most for Speaking, Active Listening and Social Perceptiveness, and for knowledge of Customer and Personal Service, Psychology and Therapy and Counseling, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Expression, Written Comprehension and Written Expression.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a developmental services worker degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 2 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 20 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 3 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 53 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to developmental services worker, at 39.4%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 39.4% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 18.0% |
| Some college courses | 16.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 10.4% |
| Master’s degree | 7.4% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 3.8% |
| Doctoral degree | 3.8% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.1% |
Source: O*NET Online.
2 occupations are related to Developmental Services Worker, with an average median salary of $72,658; the strongest outlook belongs to Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other, at 13.1% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Case Aide, Gerontology Aide, Shelter Advocate and Social Welfare Clerk.
The occupation related to developmental services worker with the most projected jobs is Social and Human Service Assistants, at 253,977.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 253,977 | 9.5% |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | 38,623 | 13.1% |
Developmental Services Worker graduates earn a median $33,342 one year after completing their program, $46,113 after four years and $44,419 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $33,342 |
| 4 years | $46,113 |
| 5 years | $44,419 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The same occupation is also the highest-paying one related to developmental services worker, with a median salary of $75,358.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | $75,358 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $69,957 |
Developmental Services Worker has 10 similar majors in the Family, Consumer & Human Sciences field, which together award 45,820 degrees a year; the largest are Child Care Provider/Assistant (23,628), Human Development and Family Studies, General (9,399) and Child Development (4,807). Browse all Family, Consumer & Human Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Child Care Provider/Assistant | 23,628 |
| Human Development and Family Studies, General | 9,399 |
| Child Development | 4,807 |
| Child Care and Support Services Management | 4,048 |
| Family and Community Services | 1,725 |
| Family Systems | 911 |
| Early Childhood and Family Studies | 497 |
| Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services, Other | 428 |
| Adult Development and Aging | 220 |
| Parent Education Services | 157 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
