The state of Indiana strictly enforces the certification of ABAs. Since 2009, it has been a Class B misdemeanor to claim to be a certified behavior analyst without holding certification from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
Experienced board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA®s) in Indiana can earn salaries as high as $95,220 a year, according to 2021 statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Salaries for Experienced BCBA®s in the Largest Metropolitan areas of Indiana
The range of salaries for board-certified behavior analysts with ten years of experience in the field are shown below (median to top 10% – current as of May, 2021):
Fort Wayne:
- 50th: $79,310
- 75th: $110,550
- 90th: $119,770
Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson:
- 50th: $95,220
- 75th: $111,490
- 90th: $120,240
Starting Salaries for BCBA®s in the Largest Metropolitan areas of Indiana
The most highly paid BCBA®s in Indiana who lack job experience in the field of behavior analysis can command salaries that exceed the median salary among highly experienced BCBA®s in the state. Salary data shown below for entry-level ABAs is current as of May 2021 (10th percentile to median):
Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson:
- 10th: $38,380
- 25th: $39,380
- 50th: $79,310
Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson:
- 10th: $49,130
- 25th: $62,350
- 50th: $95,220
Insurance Mandates for Individuals with ASD is a Boon to Independent ABAs
Indiana has been a leader in requiring insurance coverage for the treatment of individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The state began requiring that insurance companies provide coverage for ASD treatment in 2001. Since ABA is widely considered one of the most effective types of treatment for ASD, this type of coverage provides enhanced opportunities for ABAs to practice independently or in small private practices.
However, there are a few exceptions to this requirement. Self-insured companies in which an employer provides its own health plan may choose to exclude coverage for individuals with ASD. Another exception involves employers based in other states that have employees in Indiana. If the home state of the company does not mandate coverage for ASD treatment, the employer is not required to provide this coverage to its employees in Indiana.
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Psychologists, All Other reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2023.