The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median salary of $59,190 for the occupational category that includes many behavior-analysis-related roles (SOC 21-1018). The field is projected to grow 17% nationally through 2034, and BACB analysis of job postings identified 132,307 postings requesting BCBA certification in 2025, a 28% increase over 2024. Where you work and what credential you hold shapes where you land in that range.
Applied behavior analysts study how the environment shapes behavior and what drives difficult behavioral patterns. It’s meaningful, in-demand work — and the pay reflects both.
Whether you’re researching ABA as a career change or you’re already credentialed and want to benchmark your compensation, this guide walks you through the full picture: national salary data, every state, major metro areas, what each credential level earns, and where the field is headed.
Behavior Analyst Careers
Demand for behavior analysts has grown significantly in recent years. The rise in autism spectrum disorder diagnoses over the past two decades has driven that growth across the field. In April 2025, the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network reported that about 1 in 31 children aged 8 years has been identified with ASD — up from 1 in 36 in 2020 and 1 in 150 back in 2000.
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is one of the most widely researched and evidence-based interventions for autism spectrum disorder, and ABA’s reach keeps expanding. Behavior analysts now work in schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment, corporate environments, sports coaching, and elder care. That breadth creates more opportunity — and more salary variation — than ever before.
Here are just a few of the ABA careers you can pursue:
- Substance abuse therapist
- Pediatric behavioral therapist
- Sports psychologist
- Special education teacher
- School counselor or psychologist
- Mental health clinical director
- Social worker
- Brain injury therapist
- Criminal profiler
Salary ranges vary across all of these roles. Some require a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis; others call for specific certifications or even a doctorate. Your credential level is one of the biggest factors in what you’ll earn.
Behavior Analyst Salaries
So how much do ABA professionals make?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median salary of $59,190 for the occupational category that includes many behavior-analysis-related roles — SOC code 21-1018: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — based on May 2024 data. The mean for the same category is $65,100. BCBAs and experienced ABA professionals typically earn toward the higher end of this range.
Here’s the full national breakdown by percentile:
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $39,090 |
| 25th percentile | $47,170 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,190 |
| 75th percentile | $76,230 |
| 90th percentile (experienced) | $98,210 |
The range is wide because the profession is wide. Your credentials, your state, your setting, and your years of experience all determine where in that spread you’ll land. Total employment in this BLS category is 440,380 nationally.
Behavior Analyst Salary and Education Requirements
Your education level and BACB credential have a direct impact on your earnings. Here’s how the three main credential levels map to compensation using the best available BLS data.
RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)
RBTs are the hands-on technicians who deliver ABA sessions under BCBA supervision. The credential requires only a high school diploma and a short training program. The closest BLS occupational category for RBT-level roles is Psychiatric Technicians and Aides, which includes many direct-care behavior support positions.
According to May 2024 BLS data for that category:
| Role | Median Annual Wage | 10th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatric Aide | $41,590 | $30,920 | $58,530 |
| Psychiatric Technician | $42,590 | $32,980 | $60,150 |
This field supports 182,900 jobs and is projected to grow 16% through 2034, adding roughly 28,700 positions — well above the average growth rate for all occupations.
The highest-paying settings for psychiatric aide roles in May 2024 were:
| Work Setting | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| State psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals | $46,930 |
| State government (excl. education and hospitals) | $39,000 |
| Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers | $38,080 |
| Private psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals | $38,010 |
| Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities | $37,850 |
BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst)
The BCaBA credential requires a bachelor’s degree. BCaBAs work under BCBA supervision and generally earn in the lower portion of the SOC 21-1018 range — roughly the 10th to 25th percentile nationally, putting salaries around $39,090 to $47,170 per year. BCaBA is a common stepping stone toward full BCBA certification.
BCBA / BCBA-D (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)
The BCBA certification requires a master’s degree or doctorate and is the highest-earning tier in the field. BCBAs draw from the full breadth of the SOC 21-1018 salary range, typically reaching the median, 75th, and 90th percentile figures — $59,190 to $98,210 or more nationally. In high-demand states and metro areas, that ceiling is higher still.
Most states tie their ABA licensure requirements to the BCBA or BCBA-D designation, and even states without ABA-specific licensing laws typically require master’s-level education and the BCBA credential for insurance reimbursement.
Private Practice BCBA Salary
Running your own ABA practice changes the equation entirely. Independent practitioners commonly charge close to $100 per hour, and boutique in-home services often command more. For experienced BCBAs with an established referral network, private practice can push earnings well above typical employment benchmarks. It comes with added responsibilities, but the income ceiling is considerably higher.
ABA Salaries by State
Where you live significantly shapes what you earn. State-level factors — cost of living, population size, insurance coverage laws, and public health funding — all influence behavior analyst salaries.
Hover over the following map to display the median behavior analyst salary for each state as of May 2024, as well as specific percentiles based on a therapist’s overall experience and time in the profession (25th percentile = early career professional, 75th–90th percentile = experienced professional). Once you hover over a state, you can click on the link to go directly to that state’s specific salary information page.
Hover over the following map to display the median behavior analyst salary for each state as of May 2021, as well as specific percentiles based on a therapist’s overall experience and time in the profession (25th percentile = early career professional, 75th–90th percentile = experienced professional). Once you hover over a state, you can click on the link to go directly to that state’s specific salary information page.
Here’s the complete state-by-state salary breakdown using May 2024 BLS data (SOC 21-1018):
| State | Employment | Mean Wage | 10th Pct | 25th Pct | Median | 75th Pct | 90th Pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 3,340 | $52,120 | $35,940 | $40,480 | $48,880 | $58,540 | $73,050 |
| Alaska | 1,060 | $88,870 | $52,790 | $63,690 | $79,220 | $96,940 | $129,990 |
| Arizona | 8,970 | $67,890 | $42,130 | $50,650 | $63,830 | $79,990 | $95,860 |
| Arkansas | 2,860 | $58,960 | $31,600 | $37,280 | $49,990 | $69,630 | $102,400 |
| California | 63,110 | $72,530 | $44,190 | $47,650 | $61,310 | $90,370 | $118,970 |
| Colorado | 13,670 | $66,280 | $40,570 | $47,750 | $59,190 | $78,350 | $98,030 |
| Connecticut | 6,470 | $66,920 | $43,030 | $49,120 | $62,960 | $77,610 | $98,660 |
| Delaware | 1,240 | $56,120 | $38,960 | $41,630 | $49,680 | $65,270 | $78,510 |
| District of Columbia | 980 | $71,200 | $44,210 | $47,980 | $66,140 | $83,040 | $101,130 |
| Florida | 24,680 | $60,480 | $38,790 | $46,640 | $56,830 | $67,700 | $83,330 |
| Georgia | 8,680 | $61,250 | $39,020 | $46,150 | $55,320 | $71,980 | $93,200 |
| Hawaii | 1,580 | $75,610 | $48,910 | $49,630 | $54,390 | $76,220 | $158,310 |
| Idaho | 2,130 | $65,290 | $43,550 | $48,570 | $65,240 | $78,100 | $85,960 |
| Illinois | 18,170 | $69,010 | $42,500 | $47,640 | $59,570 | $81,250 | $107,630 |
| Indiana | 10,400 | $54,630 | $36,650 | $41,860 | $49,280 | $62,780 | $78,920 |
| Iowa | 3,030 | $65,960 | $43,840 | $49,170 | $60,880 | $78,830 | $89,840 |
| Kansas | 2,410 | $59,530 | $36,710 | $45,050 | $57,760 | $67,540 | $80,720 |
| Kentucky | 8,030 | $58,190 | $33,970 | $39,560 | $51,790 | $75,310 | $89,690 |
| Louisiana | 6,600 | $46,070 | $29,170 | $35,130 | $40,200 | $53,560 | $66,560 |
| Maine | 1,610 | $64,050 | $43,810 | $48,360 | $60,970 | $73,510 | $93,070 |
| Maryland | 8,180 | $68,830 | $41,160 | $48,980 | $57,820 | $70,990 | $97,050 |
| Massachusetts | 17,950 | $64,020 | $43,220 | $47,120 | $59,030 | $73,000 | $91,260 |
| Michigan | 11,090 | $61,960 | $37,200 | $42,480 | $59,530 | $74,360 | $89,170 |
| Minnesota | 7,910 | $59,020 | $45,210 | $49,880 | $58,720 | $64,370 | $75,530 |
| Mississippi | 2,220 | $54,120 | $32,590 | $37,830 | $46,810 | $56,800 | $78,480 |
| Missouri | 7,500 | $58,230 | $35,630 | $42,930 | $56,640 | $66,810 | $80,160 |
| Montana | 1,900 | $57,350 | $32,930 | $39,220 | $58,660 | $68,360 | $80,870 |
| Nebraska | 1,980 | $66,690 | $37,660 | $46,900 | $64,410 | $81,210 | $100,090 |
| Nevada | 2,240 | $64,430 | $43,490 | $46,960 | $59,470 | $76,260 | $92,440 |
| New Hampshire | 3,100 | $61,100 | $39,520 | $48,310 | $58,520 | $73,770 | $85,800 |
| New Jersey | 14,640 | $75,900 | $40,680 | $51,170 | $64,710 | $84,690 | $118,320 |
| New Mexico | 2,070 | $71,010 | $47,910 | $55,060 | $70,770 | $80,840 | $92,520 |
| New York | 22,450 | $69,290 | $43,160 | $50,880 | $62,070 | $76,680 | $101,910 |
| North Carolina | 8,930 | $60,440 | $38,440 | $47,460 | $56,470 | $68,470 | $83,790 |
| North Dakota | 1,180 | $68,220 | $42,520 | $50,810 | $66,450 | $75,120 | $86,550 |
| Ohio | 16,690 | $59,960 | $39,210 | $47,370 | $56,990 | $67,470 | $83,200 |
| Oklahoma | 4,460 | $62,220 | $33,860 | $44,320 | $58,610 | $78,710 | $94,980 |
| Oregon | 6,410 | $72,860 | $48,570 | $56,290 | $69,660 | $84,970 | $103,380 |
| Pennsylvania | 26,510 | $61,040 | $38,760 | $46,910 | $58,320 | $72,800 | $87,540 |
| Rhode Island | 1,560 | $58,860 | $38,990 | $42,550 | $49,770 | $67,370 | $90,350 |
| South Carolina | 4,680 | $55,450 | $34,730 | $40,480 | $50,720 | $65,770 | $84,190 |
| South Dakota | 1,510 | $55,890 | $40,410 | $46,260 | $53,400 | $59,770 | $74,250 |
| Tennessee | 7,310 | $51,480 | $30,890 | $36,910 | $48,170 | $60,900 | $75,240 |
| Texas | 19,520 | $67,920 | $38,720 | $47,600 | $60,630 | $76,390 | $96,260 |
| Utah | 4,720 | $71,890 | $34,560 | $42,210 | $65,920 | $94,630 | $111,470 |
| Vermont | 1,150 | $63,060 | $45,960 | $52,890 | $60,410 | $67,670 | $80,480 |
| Virginia | 16,860 | $63,630 | $39,150 | $47,530 | $58,410 | $76,530 | $96,230 |
| Washington | 13,150 | $70,230 | $45,450 | $52,070 | $64,220 | $80,440 | $100,210 |
| West Virginia | 1,970 | $52,210 | $32,000 | $38,770 | $46,710 | $62,790 | $77,260 |
| Wisconsin | 9,450 | $70,180 | $44,660 | $50,870 | $62,470 | $77,800 | $98,290 |
| Wyoming | 840 | $65,650 | $36,110 | $42,610 | $61,640 | $79,830 | $102,550 |
| Puerto Rico | 220 | $39,160 | $21,380 | $28,550 | $45,500 | $46,340 | $46,340 |
| Virgin Islands | 30 | $52,890 | $29,100 | $29,100 | $47,020 | $58,350 | $80,940 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2024 (SOC 21-1018). Data extracted September 30, 2025.
Best States for Behavior Analysts
The best state for your career isn’t just the one with the highest median — it’s where salary, job volume, and growth all line up. Alaska leads the country in median pay at $79,220, and its 90th percentile of $129,990 is the highest in the nation. New Mexico and Oregon sit above $69,000 in median income and carry strong growth projections. Utah and Arizona stand out for opportunity, with projected growth rates of 56.1% and 39.2%, respectively, through 2032.
Here’s how key states compare across both salary and projected job growth:
| State | Median Salary | 90th Pct | Projected Growth (2022–2032) | Avg Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $79,220 | $129,990 | +10.1% | 90 |
| New Mexico | $70,770 | $92,520 | +34.3% | 300 |
| Oregon | $69,660 | $103,380 | +27.4% | 900 |
| North Dakota | $66,450 | $86,550 | +15.5% | 90 |
| District of Columbia | $66,140 | $101,130 | +17.6% | 110 |
| Utah | $65,920 | $111,470 | +56.1% | 610 |
| Idaho | $65,240 | $85,960 | +33.7% | 250 |
| New Jersey | $64,710 | $118,320 | +18.5% | 1,410 |
| Nebraska | $64,410 | $100,090 | +21.3% | 210 |
| Washington | $64,220 | $100,210 | Data not available | Data not available |
| Arizona | $63,830 | $95,860 | +39.2% | 1,290 |
| California | $61,310 | $118,970 | +22.3% | 6,520 |
| Texas | $60,630 | $96,260 | +27.2% | 2,220 |
| Colorado | $59,190 | $98,030 | +27.9% | 1,840 |
| Florida | $56,830 | $83,330 | +29.0% | 2,120 |
California employs more people in this field than any other state, with over 63,000 positions. If growth is your priority, Utah’s 56.1% projected increase is the highest in the country. Arizona’s 39.2% and New Mexico’s 34.3% aren’t far behind.
Salaries in Major Metro Areas
For many professionals, it’s the city that matters most. Here’s a look at median and mean annual wages in major metro areas, using May 2024 BLS data:
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Salary | Mean Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | 670 | $79,830 | $90,940 |
| Bend, OR | 390 | $82,380 | $79,490 |
| Boulder, CO | 920 | $77,720 | $85,330 |
| Vallejo, CA | 570 | $74,210 | $82,490 |
| Albuquerque, NM | 1,110 | $71,480 | $72,530 |
| Bellingham, WA | 340 | $71,250 | $73,190 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 1,930 | $67,540 | $71,940 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 1,050 | $67,700 | $79,640 |
| Bismarck, ND | 300 | $67,950 | $69,300 |
| Boise City, ID | 1,070 | $66,130 | $65,850 |
| Amarillo, TX | 190 | $66,930 | $75,150 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC metro | 7,590 | $63,170 | $73,210 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | 1,440 | $63,850 | $70,620 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | 2,600 | $62,440 | $88,330 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 660 | $62,710 | $65,550 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA | 10,980 | $60,780 | $65,330 |
| Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO | 6,670 | $59,100 | $66,000 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 5,510 | $58,990 | $64,030 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA | 23,330 | $58,880 | $69,630 |
| Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL | 3,910 | $50,690 | $59,920 |
A few cities worth noting: Bend, Oregon, leads smaller metros at $82,380. Anchorage tops major metros at $79,830. Boulder at $77,720 is the standout in Colorado. And despite California’s high state-level mean, the Los Angeles metro median of $58,880 is pulled down by the wide range of roles in that market, while Vallejo and Stockton both outperform LA on the median.
BCaBA Demand
The BACB’s US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts: 2010–2025 report shows that demand for BCaBA certification decreased in 2025 after a significant 131% increase from 2023 to 2024. The overall trend since 2010 remains upward. In 2025, BCaBA demand was highest in California, Florida, Michigan, Texas, and Pennsylvania, which together accounted for 43% of all nationwide BCaBA job postings.
Behavior Analyst Salary Outlook
The long-term poutlookfor ABA careers is among the strongest in the helping professions.
Nationally, employment in the BLS category covering ABA-related counselor and specialist roles is projected to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034 — adding roughly 81,000 new positions and generating around 48,300 average annual openings. That’s well above the average growth rate for all occupations.
For BCBA-credentialed professionals specifically, the picture is even stronger. According to the BACB’s US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts: 2010–2025 report (published January 2026), BACB analysis of job postings identified 132,307 postings requesting BCBA certification in 2025 — a 28% increase from 103,150 in 2024. Annual demand for BCBA or BCBA-D certification has increased dramatically overall since 2010, when there were just 789 job postings nationwide.
The top states for BCBA job demand in 2025 were California, New Jersey, Texas, Massachusetts, and North Carolina — accounting for 38% of all BCBA postings. California alone represented 15% of national demand.
The driver behind all of this is well-documented. In April 2025, the CDC’s ADDM Network reported that about 1 in 31 children aged 8 years has been identified with ASD — up from 1 in 36 in 2020 and 1 in 150 in 2000. Schools, independent clinics, hospitals, and public health agencies that provide ABA services are consistently seeking qualified analysts to meet that growing need.
It’s a field where the fundamentals are strong, and the direction is clear.
Preparing for a Career As an ABA
Thinking of a career in applied behavior analysis? Start by researching graduate programs that offer the qualifying coursework you’ll need to sit for the BCBA exam. Our ABA master’s programs guide is a good place to start, and online options have made it more accessible than ever — many students complete the required coursework without relocating.
The path typically looks like this: complete a BACB-approved master’s program, complete your supervised fieldwork hours, pass the BCBA exam, and apply for your state license, if required.d Our state-by-state licensing guides walk through the specifics for each state. If you want the full picture of the journey ahead, check out our complete guide to becoming an ABA therapist.
Ready to get started? Check out graduate programs with a BACB-approved course sequence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a BCBA make per year?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a national median of $59,190 for the occupational category that includes many behavior-analysis-related roles (SOC 21-1018, May 2024 data). BCBAs typically earn at or above that figure, with experienced professionals in strong markets commonly reaching $76,000 to $98,000 or more. Credential level, state, and setting all affect where you’ll land.
What states pay behavior analysts the most?
Alaska leads the country with a median of $79,220, followed by New Mexico ($70,770) and Oregon ($69,660). New Jersey and Washington also rank highly, combining strong medians with large employment volumes. Utah and Arizona stand out for growth potential, with state projections of 56.1% and 39.2%, respectively, through 2032.
What’s the salary difference between an RBT, BCaBA, and BCBA?
The gap is significant. RBTs, whose work maps to BLS psychiatric aide and technician roles, earn a median of roughly $41,590 to $42,590 per year (May 2024 BLS data). BCaBAs generally fall in the lower portion of the SOC 21-1018 range, around $39,090 to $47,170 nationally. BCBAs draw from the full range, with a national SOC 21-1018 median of $59,190 and top earners at $98,210 or more. Getting your BCBA is the clearest path to a meaningful salary increase in this field.
Is the ABA job market growing?
The national BLS projection is 17% growth from 2024 to 2034 for the counselor and specialist category, which covers ABA roles. For BCBA-credentialed professionals specifically, BACB analysis of job postings identified 132,307 postings requesting BCBA certification in 2025 — a 28% year-over-year increase and part of a strong overall growth trend going back to 2010.
Can a BCBA earn more in private practice?
Independent practitioners commonly charge close to $100 per hour or more, especially for in-home services. Private practice income can significantly exceed typical employment compensation, though it comes with added business responsibilities. It’s a path worth considering for experienced BCBAs with strong referral networks.
Key Takeaways
- The BLS reports a national median of $59,190 for the occupational category covering many ABA-related roles (SOC 21-1018, May 2024), with a mean of $65,100 across 440,380 total positions. Top earners at the 90th percentile reach $98,210 or more.
- Alaska, New Mexico, and Oregon lead on median pay. Utah (56.1%), Arizona (39.2%), and New Mexico (34.3%) lead the country in projected job growth through 2032.
- Credential level is the biggest driver of earnings. RBTs earn a BLS median of roughly $41,590 to $42,590; BCaBAs fall in the lower SOC 21-1018 range; BCBAs earn at or above the $59,190 national median and often considerably higher.
- BCBA demand has grown significantly. BACB analysis of job postings identified 132,307 postings requesting BCBA certification in 2025 — a 28% increase from 2024 — continuing a strong upward trend since 2010.
- ASD prevalence continues to rise. The CDC reported in April 2025 that 1 in 31 children has been identified with ASD, up from 1 in 36 in 2020. ABA professionals are at the center of the national response.
Ready to take the next step? Explore accredited ABA programs and find the right fit for your goals and schedule.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (all BCBA and BCaBA roles) and Psychiatric Technicians and Aides (all RBT and other support roles) reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Note: BCBA, BCaBA, and RBT roles are included in these broader BLS categories. Actual salaries for ABA professionals are frequently higher than what these broader categories reflect. ABA salaries can vary based on experience, location, and setting. Data accessed March 2026.