Potential Applied Behavior Analyst Salary

The applied behavior analyst salary can vary widely based on the individual’s qualifications, experience, and location. Also, it may vary according to the educational level. Keep reading to learn more about the different conditions influencing this exciting field.

How much does an applied behavior analyst make?

Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not separately provide data about the applied behavior analyst salary, it does provide information about occupations that are closely related to the field of behavior analysis.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the 2021 median salaries for Psychologyst:

• Psychologists, all other: $102,900
• Clinical and counseling psychologists: $82,510
• School psychologists: $78,780

These occupations are very similar to that of and applied behavior analyst, and many professionals working in these fields may have undergone training to become ABA certified.

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Applied Behavior Analyst Salary by Board Certification

While there are few restrictions on who can practice behavior modification or even applied behavior analysis, individuals who wish to become qualified to receive for state funding for their projects or are seeking insurance for their practice must be certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. This ensures a certain degree of knowledge, experience and competency in applied behavior analysis practice (ABA).

Potential ABA Salary by Industry

A third variable which may impact a behavior analyst’s salary is the industry in which they work. For instance, while the BLS reports a 2021 mean annual wage of $79,510 for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists, the reported mean annual wage for these professionals working in elementary and secondary schools was $78,830, while those working for outpatient care centers reportedly earned a mean annual wage of $83,770.

Potential ABA Salary by State

These salaries might also vary according to a person’s location and experience. According to the BLS , the lowest 10% of earners working in the field of clinical, counseling, and school psychology earned less than $39,760 in 2021 the lowest 25% of earners made $73,910, those in the 50% earnings percentile earned $102,900, the top 75% of earners made $120,240, and the top 90% of earners made more than $133,200.

Psychologists, All Other: States with the highest annual mean salary level:

• California: $ 112,210
• Florida: $ 103,240
• Texas: $ 101,680
• Illinois: $ 99,740
• Minnesota: $ 81,150

Similarly those working in organizational behavior management are likely to find opportunities to earn higher salaries than those working in areas of social services.

Potential ABA Salary by Educational Level

Educational level may also affect potential earnings as a behavior analyst. The ABAI reports that those with terminal degrees in behavior analysis (PhD, EdD or BCBA-Doctorate) earn an average salary of $118,000 compared to those with master’s degrees who earn an average salary of $94,000 and those holding only bachelor’s degrees who reported earning an average salary of $78,000.

Applied behavior analysts working in the field of autism spectrum disorder treatment may find themselves eligible for board certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board which could potentially lead to increased job opportunities and higher salaries.

The BCBA-D designation is the highest level of certification offered by the BACB and requires a doctorate degree, completion of a BACB-approved course sequence, passing scores on examinations, supervised experience requirements, and continuing education credits. According to Payscale.com , as of May 2021 those holding the BCBA-D credential earned an average salary of $106,871 with salaries ranging from $52,345 to $165,962.

What does the salary of behavior analysts depend on?

Behavior analyst’s salaries vary depending on such factors as level of Board Certified Behavior Analyst BCBA certification, geographic location, industry, etc.. Those seeking to enter the human services industry may find the field applied behavior analysis to present career enhancement possibilities.