In the rapidly developing field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) are core figures, they exploit their knowledge to bring about significant behavioral change in individuals with a wide range of needs. In the process of becoming or advancing careers within this field, the following questions often emerge: How Much Can You Make as a BCBA? The answer, interestingly, is unusually diversified depending on geographic location. The BCBA salary according to the state and city means not only the figure’s demand but also the cost of living as well as the way the area is funded.
This blog post intends to demystify the financial field for Behavior Analysts by offering a comprehensive examination of their earning capacity across different parts of the United States.
How Much Does a BCBA Make?
According to the ZipRecruiter as of April 2024, the majority of Board Certified Behavior Analyst salaries in the US range between $74,000 and $90,500 per year. Those who are just into the career field can anticipate their early years of earnings to possibly be considerably low. Annually, the base pay for entry-level positions begins at about $47,500 and the range of the salary cycle can be raised up to $149,000.
One of the best ways to understand the amount of money BCBAs make in the United States is to look at their salaries in different periods of time – annually, monthly, weekly, and hourly. Here’s a breakdown of the average BCBA salary:
BCBA Salary per Year
An average BCBA salary with a current figure is about $89,075 per annum. In a similar manner, the figure could be volatile from case to case depending on the location, working environment, and workplace setting.
BCBA Salary per Month
When breaking down the yearly salary, BCBAs can expect to earn an average monthly pay of approximately $7,422.
BCBA Salary per Week
On a weekly basis, a BCBA is reported to be paid around $1,712 per week. This figure provides an understandable illustration of the in-demand service of BCBAs because their knowledge and expertise are valued by employers.
BCBA Salary per Hour
For an hourly rate, BCBAs are estimated to make an average of $43 per hour. This rate clearly demonstrates the high professional appraisal of the time and competence of BCBAs, particularly taking into account the fact that their work is very detailed and significant.
These details about the salary of a BCBA provide essential information for Behavior Analyst professionals stepping up in their career paths, giving insights into the financial rewards that these professionals earn while working.
What is the Average BCBA Salary By State?
Irrespective of whether you’re a fresh graduate contemplating between BCBA Pathway or an experienced person debating between job locations for better prospects, financial consciousness will help you in the long run. Such salary information of BCBA by state indicates the geographical as well as the significant demand for such professionals in different regions.
| State | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| New Jersey | $98,707 | $8,225 | $1,898 | $47.46 |
| Wisconsin | $96,396 | $8,033 | $1,853 | $46.34 |
| Alaska | $94,011 | $7,834 | $1,807 | $45.20 |
| Massachusetts | $93,884 | $7,823 | $1,805 | $45.14 |
| Oregon | $93,581 | $7,798 | $1,799 | $44.99 |
| Washington | $93,576 | $7,798 | $1,799 | $44.99 |
| North Dakota | $93,327 | $7,777 | $1,794 | $44.87 |
| New Mexico | $92,698 | $7,724 | $1,782 | $44.57 |
| Minnesota | $91,547 | $7,628 | $1,760 | $44.01 |
| Hawaii | $91,472 | $7,622 | $1,759 | $43.98 |
| Ohio | $89,441 | $7,453 | $1,720 | $43.00 |
| Colorado | $89,391 | $7,449 | $1,719 | $42.98 |
| Nevada | $88,890 | $7,407 | $1,709 | $42.74 |
| New York | $88,353 | $7,362 | $1,699 | $42.48 |
| South Dakota | $88,204 | $7,350 | $1,696 | $42.41 |
| Rhode Island | $86,678 | $7,223 | $1,666 | $41.67 |
| Iowa | $86,497 | $7,208 | $1,663 | $41.59 |
| Vermont | $86,096 | $7,174 | $1,655 | $41.39 |
| Connecticut | $85,765 | $7,147 | $1,649 | $41.23 |
| Tennessee | $85,397 | $7,116 | $1,642 | $41.06 |
| Utah | $84,734 | $7,061 | $1,629 | $40.74 |
| Delaware | $84,475 | $7,039 | $1,624 | $40.61 |
| Mississippi | $84,312 | $7,026 | $1,621 | $40.53 |
| Virginia | $83,433 | $6,952 | $1,604 | $40.11 |
| Illinois | $82,617 | $6,884 | $1,588 | $39.72 |
| Maryland | $81,855 | $6,821 | $1,574 | $39.35 |
| California | $81,024 | $6,752 | $1,558 | $38.95 |
| Pennsylvania | $80,945 | $6,745 | $1,556 | $38.92 |
| Nebraska | $80,238 | $6,686 | $1,543 | $38.58 |
| Louisiana | $79,926 | $6,660 | $1,537 | $38.43 |
| Missouri | $79,400 | $6,616 | $1,526 | $38.17 |
| Kansas | $79,351 | $6,612 | $1,525 | $38.15 |
| Maine | $79,288 | $6,607 | $1,524 | $38.12 |
| South Carolina | $78,645 | $6,553 | $1,512 | $37.81 |
| New Hampshire | $78,634 | $6,552 | $1,512 | $37.80 |
| Oklahoma | $77,704 | $6,475 | $1,494 | $37.36 |
| Wyoming | $77,535 | $6,461 | $1,491 | $37.28 |
| Idaho | $77,394 | $6,449 | $1,488 | $37.21 |
| North Carolina | $77,022 | $6,418 | $1,481 | $37.03 |
| Texas | $76,769 | $6,397 | $1,476 | $36.91 |
| Indiana | $76,619 | $6,384 | $1,473 | $36.84 |
| Arizona | $75,035 | $6,252 | $1,442 | $36.07 |
| Kentucky | $74,368 | $6,197 | $1,430 | $35.75 |
| Michigan | $74,041 | $6,170 | $1,423 | $35.60 |
| Montana | $73,904 | $6,158 | $1,421 | $35.53 |
| Alabama | $72,982 | $6,081 | $1,403 | $35.09 |
| Arkansas | $70,499 | $5,874 | $1,355 | $33.89 |
| Georgia | $67,989 | $5,665 | $1,307 | $32.69 |
| West Virginia | $62,514 | $5,209 | $1,202 | $30.06 |
| Florida | $60,170 | $5,014 | $1,157 | $28.93 |
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for BCBAs
In the list of the highest-paying cities for BCBAs, salaries might be unexpected by some people since the majority of them are located in smaller towns or less famous areas. It demonstrates the nationwide need for BCBAs and their services as noticeable.
| City | Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $112,456 | $9,371 | $2,162 | $54.07 |
| Redwood City, CA | $111,014 | $9,251 | $2,134 | $53.37 |
| Union City, CA | $110,757 | $9,229 | $2,129 | $53.25 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $110,433 | $9,202 | $2,123 | $53.09 |
| Livermore, CA | $110,375 | $9,197 | $2,122 | $53.07 |
| Arlington, VA | $109,877 | $9,156 | $2,113 | $52.83 |
| American Canyon, CA | $109,715 | $9,142 | $2,109 | $52.75 |
| Excelsior, MN | $107,481 | $8,956 | $2,066 | $51.67 |
| Kent, WA | $107,013 | $8,917 | $2,057 | $51.45 |
| Wellesley, MA | $106,647 | $8,887 | $2,050 | $51.27 |
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What Type of BCBA Makes the Most Money?
Job roles in behavior analysis such as specific areas of expertise and advanced credentials are more likely to be compensated favorably in terms of salary. Here are the top 5 BCBA jobs in the U.S.
- Vice President BCBA – $157,532
- Bcba Consultant – $153,930
- Bcba Assistant – $140,766
- Bcba Supervisor – $96,146
- Mobile BCBA – $89,075
Key Factors Impacting BCBA Salary
Knowing the essential elements that determine BCBA salary is an important issue for practitioners in behavior analysis when choosing their career options. These variables, similarly, shape potential earnings and afford new paths for personal growth and propel advancement. Here’s a closer look at the primary factors affecting BCBA income:
Geographic Location
Where a BCBA makes a choice of practice location is, indeed, important in deciding on the BCBA salary. Urban areas and localities with the highest costs of living typically pay higher salaries to offset the higher costs of living. Furthermore, it can be seen that the states with a higher demand for ABA services can also offer more advantageous compensation schemes.
Experience and Education
Years of experience in the field are a major factor that can lead to significant salary growth for a BCBA practitioner. Frequently, independent case managers who have been in the field for a long time are offered higher wages. In the same manner, higher learning obtainments like doctorates or specialized qualifications beyond the BCBA Certificate also move one towards higher earnings.
Employer Type
Whether it is a business unit, a nonprofit, or a government health agency, a BCBA’s salary can be derived from the organization type. Independent offices, clinics, and centers that offer special education can differ from educational institutions or non-profit organizations. In some cases, a straight job as a consultant can also mean variable job security, despite which they offer high rates.
Demand for Services
Areas where there is a higher demand for ABA Therapy Services, due to high awareness and ease of diagnosis and treatment in most cases, can offer higher salaries to attract experienced BCBAs. There could be swings in this demand depending on the level of awareness in a certain region, health care policies, and funding that is set aside for special education.
Scope of Practice
The practical mindset of an employer on how the job description for an applicant is crafted can affect salary in this role. Supervisors, managers of large teams, or those who are accountable for complex cases may have their remuneration adjusted upwards to cater to their additional workload. Another context where a BCBA’s salary may differ is the specialization in specific areas, such as early intervention or adult services, where the requirements and resources within those specific niches can significantly influence the pay.
Negotiation Skills
The ability of a BCBA to negotiate between the salary and the benefits will, however, have a direct influence on the level of income that they will draw from their jobs. The awareness that one adds value to the office, research on salaries offered in the area, and presentation of compensation arguments, can significantly earn one a good salary.
Tackling these elements becomes achievable when we take work in terms of career development through permanent learning, networking within the sector, and staying ahead of industry trends.
How to Increase Your Salary as a BCBA?
One of the keys to your salary advancement as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) is strategic planning and professional development. Here are actionable steps to enhance your earning potential within the field of behavior analysis:
👨🏻🎓 Pursue Further Education: Of course, achieving degrees can often be rewarded with higher salaries.
📜 Gain Additional Certifications: Specialized certificates help you to stand out from the crowd.
📂 Specialize: Concentrate on the areas you think have the highest demand in behavior analysis.
🤹🏻♀️ Expand Your Skill Set: Get education for new skills and competencies.
👩🏻💼 Take on Supervisory Roles: Supervise less experienced professionals for higher pay.
🤝 Negotiate Your Salary: Research and advocate for fair compensation.
📌 Consider Relocation: Relocate to places with high demand and pay for BCBAs.
🔗 Network: Professional networking can help to find future career openings.
🧑🏻💼 Pursue Leadership Positions: Consider working in managerial or administrative positions.
📰 Stay Informed: Monitor industry trends to discover areas that can be extended to a profit.
Adopting these measures might benefit you by optimizing your salary potential as a BCBA.
What is the Future of BCBAs as a Career?
The future of the BCBAs as a Career is brighter than ever and the attention of the ABA effectiveness in treating people with autism and other developmental disorders is growing every day. This growing recognition is fueling the demand for BCBAs in different settings like schools, private clinics, hospitals, and home-based programs. Technologies and telehealth have accelerated the extension of BCBA expertise, making services reachable and workable across geographic space.
Additionally, federal laws requiring insurance coverage for ABA have been a game changer as they are making ABA therapy more accessible, among others impacting employment opportunities and therapy reimbursement increases. With an ever-growing perception of behavioral health and a more expanded usage of ABA principles in mental health and organizational behavior along with ongoing research, a lucrative future can be foreseen for BCBAs.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answer
What is the Average BCBA Salary in North Carolina?
The average wage for Board Certified Behavior Analyst in North Carolina is about $75,000 to $80,000 per year. The rate projected here depends on the given factors like a BCBA experience, his location and the employer type.
What is the Average BCBA Salary in Virginia?
In Virginia, an individual can expect an annual income of $80,000 to $85,000 as a BCBA. Similar to North Carolina, the salaries in Virginia can differ based on employees’ experience, locations, and how and where the instructors work.
How Much Does a BCBA Make Compared to a BCaBA?
Usually, a BCBA earns more than a BCaBA because a BCBA needs a higher level of education and certification which leads to a higher requirement. Usually, BCBAs make 30% to 50% salaries higher than BCaBAs. For example, a BCaBA can expect to earn about $45,000 a year while a BCBA might earn as much as $60,000 to $67,500 or even more. The huge difference in the earning capacity of the two certifications is evident here.
Where are BCBAs Paid the Most?
On average, New Jersey emerges as the highest-paying state for BCBAs, which results in an average annual income of $98,707. But as we studied the states individually, Santa Cruz, CA has the largest salary of $112,456 on average for BCBAs. These figures denoted the impact of factors like the necessity of behaviour analysts where they are situated and the cost of living in that area which is why they are suitable places of residence for professionals in this field.
Conclusion
A career as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) offers a beneficial and rewarding future to those who are deeply engaged in making a difference in the lives of people with autism and other disabilities. As the demand for ABA Services grows in different areas, the salaries and work opportunities for BCBAs become even more competitive, determined by things like location, experience, specialization, and education.
Professionals who are in pursuit become exceptional in their careers only lie in continuous learning and smart career planning. If you’re looking for opportunities to grow and make a meaningful difference as a BCBA, consider joining the team at the Autism Center of Excellence. With our commitment to excellence and support for professionals, AutismCOE stands as a leading choice for BCBAs looking to maximize their potential and contribute to the field in significant ways.
Reference – https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Bcba-Salary
Please Note: The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified health care professional for personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Bhavika Bhasin (Author)
Bhavika Bhasin is the Research and Marketing officer at AutismCOE. She works with children and adults with ASD. Her clinical research includes evaluating various available autism screening and diagnosis methods and their efficacy. She is currently developing a novel screening exam that is indicated to be more accurate than the existing available exams. She is also writes articles papers for various publications.
