ABA Therapist Salaries
Understanding how much ABA therapists earn can shed some light for both the pros in the field and the families looking to get support for their kiddos with autism. There are a bunch of things that can shake up these paychecks, like certifications, the cost of living, and where you’re at in the country.
Impact of BCBA Certification
Getting that Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) badge can seriously jack up an ABA therapist’s paycheck. Usually, BCBAs are pulling in around $87,535 a year. Meanwhile, folks without it often see their earnings take a nosedive. To break it down — Glassdoor says the average salary for an ABA therapist in the U.S. is roughly $42,088.
Salary Overview by Certification
| Certification | Average Salary (USD) |
| ABA Therapist | 42,088 |
| BCBA | 87,535 |
| BCaBA | 71,738 |
Getting extra qualifications through certifications isn’t just a piece of paper — it’s about opening doors to better gigs and fatter paychecks.
Influence of Cost of Living
Where you’re living can really mess with what ends up in your bank account. In pricier places, therapists might see higher salaries to balance things out. So, if you’re working in the big city where everything costs more, don’t be surprised to see a bump up. Here’s a quick peek into how things stack up based on different costs of living.
| City/Region | Average Salary (USD) | Cost of Living Index |
| New York, NY | 78,000 | 187.2 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 75,000 | 168.4 |
| Austin, TX | 65,000 | 130.6 |
| Chicago, IL | 70,000 | 142.5 |
Places that are screaming out for ABA experts often throw in extra cash to reel folks in, showing how local economics play into salary ranges.
Geographic Salary Disparities
Where you’re parked geographically can swing your salary up or down pretty significantly. States with a burning need for ABA services, like California and New York, usually see fat checks at the top end. On the flip side, if demand’s kinda chill, salaries tend to dip.
Check out these numbers for ABA therapists in different states:
| State | Average Salary (USD) |
| California | 78,000 |
| New York | 76,000 |
| Texas | 62,000 |
| Florida | 57,000 |
Demand for services, how many qualified folks are around, and state budgets for autism services all play a part in these differences. To get the bigger picture of job prospects in this gig, find out more in our article on ABA therapist job outlook.
Job Growth and Demand
With autism spectrum disorder (ASD) getting more attention these days, ABA therapy is seeing quite the boom. If you’ve been watching the numbers, you’ll notice these days ABA therapists are really in hot demand.
Projected Growth Rate for BCBAs
Looking at the bright future for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), job growth is set to jump a whopping 22 percent from 2020 to 2030. What’s that tell us? The world wants more hands on deck for ABA therapy services. Families across the board are chasing down help for kids with ASD and similar conditions so those with the right skills are in the spotlight.
Increase in Number of BCBAs
In 2023, job ads looking for BCBA and BCBA-D folks hit around 65,366. That’s quite a leap, and it’s proof that ABA therapy is staking its claim in the behavioral health scene. Back in 2019 and 2020, we also saw a decent bump in demand, with a 17% rise in BCBA certifications being sought out.
| Year | Job Postings for BCBAs |
| 2019 | About 55,000 |
| 2020 | Around 62,500 |
| 2023 | 65,366 |
Job Opportunities Across States
It’s not just about the number of jobs, it’s also where they’re popping up! States like California, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, and Georgia seem to be ground zero for BCBA opportunities. These spots are screaming out for ABA therapists—high demand means high potential for landing a gig.
With a worldwide total crossing 40,000 BCBAs by 2023, it’s clear the job scene for behavior analysts is looking all kinds of hopeful. As more folks seek out ABA therapy, the job market is swelling, making it a ripe field for those considering a foot in the door.
Factors Affecting Salaries
When it comes to how much ABA therapists earn, it really comes down to a few big things. Understanding how stuff like experience, education, and where you work plays a part in how much you get paid will help anyone looking to get into the world of ABA therapy.
Experience and Expertise Levels
Experience is pretty much everything when we talk about an ABA therapist’s paycheck. The pros who’ve been at it for a while usually make more than the newbies. Take those seasoned folks in Indiana, for example—they’re pulling in between sixty to eighty grand a year because they’ve been around the block a few times.
On the flip side, the average pay for someone new in the ABA game across the USA is about forty-two grand a year. This number captures just how much salaries can swing as therapists climb the experience ladder and shoulder more duties. Here’s a quick look at what to expect based on how long you’ve been in the game:
| Experience Level | Average Salary (USD) |
| Entry-Level | $42,000 |
| Mid-Level | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Advanced-Level | $60,000 – $80,000 |
Education and Certification
Your education and those certifications can make your paycheck a lot fatter. Therapists who snag their Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification find themselves pocketing around $68,554 a year in the US. If we’re getting into the dirty details, a BCBA’s average wage is about $87,535, while a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) makes around $71,738.
Those with top-notch degrees and extra certifications usually see a boost in their paychecks as well. Here’s how those paper qualifications stack up:
| Certification | Average Salary (USD) |
| Entry-Level Therapist | $42,000 |
| BCBA | $87,535 |
| BCaBA | $71,738 |
| General Behavior Analyst | $61,538 |
Location and Demands for Services
Where you hang your hat can really impact your earnings. ABA therapists in places with a higher cost of living or where therapists are in big demand tend to see better pay. Some areas even sweeten the deal with things like better wages and education perks to bring in top talent.
Check out how location makes a difference in this snapshot:
| Location | Average Salary (USD) |
| New Jersey | $62,000 – $80,000 |
| Indiana | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| National Average | $42,000 |
Knowing this stuff can really help everyone, from parents with kiddos on the autism spectrum to the therapists and educators putting in the work. Looking to dive into this career or just wanna get the best care out there? Then these figures are a must-know. For more deets, check our pages on ABA therapist salary and ABA therapist qualifications.
ABA Therapist Scene
More ABA Therapists Needed Than Ever
There’s a big rush for ABA therapists nowadays. This job is getting hot mainly because ABA therapy works wonders for folks dealing with autism and other development issues. And because it’s so effective, more places are hiring ABA pros. This need has spread to schools, clinics, hospitals, living centers, and private spots.
| Year | Job Postings for ABA Therapists |
| 2015 | 1,300 |
| 2016 | 3,000 |
| 2020 | 57,596 |
| 2022 | 72,000 |
Check out how the job listings have shot up over the years. It’s almost like everybody and their grandma is looking for an ABA therapist.
ABA Therapy Getting Results
ABA therapy’s got a golden reputation because it really helps folks with autism. It zeros in on honing certain behaviors and teaching new tricks. Studies bump up ABA therapy’s game with reports of better communication, smoother social skills, and more independence. Families with loved ones on the autism spectrum swear by it.
Interest in ABA goes wild as more health groups get smart to its perks. That’s why therapists are busier than ever, helping more and more clients get on track.
Wide-Open Workplaces for ABA Therapists
ABA therapists have their pick of the litter when it comes to work settings. They’re like chameleons, adjusting to different spots such as:
- Schools: Lending a hand so students with autism can score big in their studies.
- Clinics: Digging deep into behavior help in places specially set up for it.
- Hospitals: Teaming up with doctors to boost patients’ mental health.
- Residential Homes: Sticking around to support folks living under one roof.
- Private Practices: Rolling out tailor-made therapy times and setups for folks needing one-on-one care.
This broad scope lets them handle different client needs, proving ABA therapists are truly adaptable. As things keep changing, it looks like future gigs for ABA therapists will pop up everywhere.
Salary Insights and Trends
Grasping how much ABA therapists make can totally help families and individuals hunting for professional support. Let’s check out what they typically earn each year, how pay ranges can vary, and the wiggle room and money potential for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
Average Annual Salaries
An ABA therapist in the US brings home about $42,088 a year. This amount may swing widely due to factors such as experience, schooling, certification, and where you are living in the country.
| Source | Average Salary ($) |
| MagnetABA | 42,000 |
| Brighter Strides ABA | 42,000 |
| Glassdoor | 42,088 |
| Golden Steps ABA | 42,088 |
| Behavior Analyst Certification Board | 42,088 |
Competitive Range in ABA Therapy
Salaries for ABA therapists generally range from $30,000 to $56,000. For those just starting out, they’re usually on the lower end of the pay scale. If you’ve been around the block a few times or have advanced certifications, expect higher pay.
| Experience Level | Salary Range ($) |
| Entry-Level | 30,000 – 38,000 |
| Mid-Level | 38,000 – 48,000 |
| Experienced | 48,000 – 56,000 |
This info shows why nabbing the right ABA therapist qualifications matters for getting paid well in this gig.
Flexibility and Earnings for BCBAs
For those who climb up to become Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), the road’s a bit more rewarding. They can slide into different roles like clinical supervision, training gigs, or even running the admin show. Their paychecks vary from $60,000 to over $90,000, depending on what hats they’re wearing and the workload.
| Position Type | Salary Range ($) |
| BCBA in Practice | 60,000 – 75,000 |
| BCBA Supervisor | 75,000 – 90,000 |
| Director of ABA Services | 90,000+ |
BCBAs can bump up their earnings and make a big impact in the field by specializing in various sectors.
Addressing Shortages and Initiatives
The demand for ABA therapy has resulted in a real need for more qualified folks in the field. With various plans in place, there’s hope to boost the number of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and make ABA services more available.
Strategies to Increase BCBAs
Tackling the shortage of BCBAs means attracting more professionals to jump in. This involves highlighting the perks of an ABA career through education and bumping up pay and service reimbursement rates. They’re also rolling out more accessible training programs and financial help for those looking to get certified.
Recent numbers say the job outlook for BCBAs is looking up, with a forecasted growth of 22% over the next decade. So, there’s a clear need for folks to support kiddos with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and similar conditions.
Initiatives to Expand ABA Services
To keep up with the climbing demand for ABA therapy, groups are kicking off efforts to widen service access. This training spat of studying companies are pushing for rule changes to boost mental health funding, support autism education, and upgrade resources for families searching for ABA services.
Almost every state (49 out of 50) is short on ABA therapists, showing a bigger change is needed. Fixing issues like low pay and heavy burnout rates among pros is key to holding onto current therapists and drawing new ones in.
Impact of COVID-19 on Professionals
The COVID-19 pandemic has really thrown a wrench at ABA professionals. Higher stress and burnout have led to fewer therapists available. Many have struggled to juggle work and life as case numbers rise, coupled with the pandemic chaos. Despite all this, demand for behavior analysts has shot up, with 57,596 job postings recorded for applied behavior analysts in 2022.