Board-Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) have rewarding careers and make a difference in patients’ lives. One consideration before embarking on this career path is a BCBA’s salary.
Several factors may influence a Behavior Analyst’s income, including the state one practices in, qualifications, experience, and industry or work setting. Comparing the various levels of a BCBA’s salary can be a helpful first step toward making a strategic move toward a profitable and meaningful career as a BCBA therapist.
Flywheel Centers is committed to advocating for its staff by providing competitive salaries, ongoing professional development, and a supportive work environment. We prioritize our team’s well-being and growth, ensuring they have the opportunities needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the individuals we serve.
How Much Does a BCBA Make on Average?
According to current data, a BCBA’s average salary in the United States is between $73,000 and $89,000 annually. This figure is the median of all BCBA salaries across the country. However, this number may vary depending on factors such as geographic location, cost of living, education, and work setting.
Putting the average BCBA salary in context, it’s clear that the numbers aren’t set in stone. For instance, advancement in education, such as earning additional degrees, may increase the salary earned, as may moving to a different location.
Working in different industries as a BCBA may also affect how much they earn. Benefits, such as flexible schedules, time off, and other advantages, as well as the dollar amount received annually, are also useful to consider when working out the average salary of a BCBA.
Salary Ranges: Expert to Entry Level BCBA Salary
As with most other professions, a BCBA therapist can expect their salary to grow with increased training, education, and experience.
Those with a master’s or doctorate earn a higher BCBA salary than those with a bachelor’s degree. In addition, years of experience have a similar effect on the amount a therapist receives per year.
A BCaBA’s salary reflects their lower level of certification and responsibilities, and they earn less per year than a fully qualified BCBA.
The following is a comparison of BCBA and BCaBA salaries based on education:
Behavior Analyst Income Based on Degree |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Level of Education |
Bachelor’s Degree |
Master’s Degree |
Doctoral Degree |
| Job Position | BCaBA | BCaBA/BCBA | BCaBA/BCBA |
| Average Salary Earnings |
$60,000 to $70,000 |
$70,000 to $90,000 |
$90,000 to $120,000 |
Although earning higher degrees requires significant time and financial commitment, the sacrifice can pay off with more earning power.
What Can Entry-Level BCBAs Expect to Earn?
Entry-level BCBA salaries range between $50,000 and $60,000. This assumes that the entry-level therapist has little experience and that their salary will grow commensurate with experience.
Although the entry-level BCBA salary may seem low compared to the amount paid to those with a few years of experience or higher-level degrees, it’s worth considering that BCBA certification itself can mean the difference between earning $40,000 (for those without certification) and at least $50,000.
What Are the Factors Influencing BCBA Salaries?
The main parameters that affect BCBA salaries are:
- Location
- Education
- Experience
- Industry and place of work
The Impact of Location on a BCBA’s Salary
A BCBA therapist’s salary depends on where they work, mainly because the cost of living varies by location. In areas with higher living expenses, salaries tend to be higher to help offset those costs. It’s important to consider this when comparing salaries in different regions. While a higher-paying area may seem appealing, the increased cost of rent, groceries, gas, and taxes could balance out the higher income. Moving for a better salary may not always lead to a better financial situation.
The law of supply and demand plays a crucial role in determining BCBA salaries. In areas with a higher demand for therapy services, salaries tend to be higher as employers compete to attract qualified professionals. On the other hand, in locations with lower demand or an oversupply of therapists, salaries may be lower due to less competition for available positions.
The Influence of Education on a BCBA’s Salary
Earning a degree may have high costs in terms of time and money, but the pay differential between those with higher degrees and those without is enough to make the effort worthwhile.
As previously mentioned, the difference between a bachelor’s and a master’s, and a doctorate can be between $10,000 and $20,000 for each level. Although it may mean acquiring a certain amount of student debt to cover tuition, the differences in BCBA salary should provide ample means to pay it off.
How Does Experience Affect BCBA Salary?
The amount of a BCBA salary also varies depending on experience. The following is a comparison showing the difference in payment based on the number of years the therapist has worked in the field:
- One to four years – $63,000
- Five to nine years – $59,000
- Ten to nineteen years – $77,000
- Over twenty years – $80,000
The exact amount of a BCBA’s salary may involve a combination of education, experience, and location.
For instance, a person working only a few years in the field who has a higher degree, may earn as much as one who has significant experience but a lower degree. It will depend on the employer and circumstances.
BCBA Salary Differences Between Work Environments
Another crucial factor affecting BCBA salaries is industry or place of work. Those employed in the private sector, for instance, in healthcare, educational institutions, or private practice, earn more than those employed in non-profit or government organizations.
The following illustrates the differences in salaries among BCBA therapists in various industries:
- Education – $65,000 to $90,000
- Healthcare – $70,000 to $100,000
- Private Practice – $80,000 to $120,000
- Non-Profit or Government – $60,000 to $80,000
The comparison clearly shows that working in the private sector pays more than government or non-profit.
Comparing BCBA Salaries by State
There can be a dramatic difference between salaries based on region and state. The differentials aren’t just based on states but also on whether the therapist is working in a metropolitan, residential, or rural area, where the cost of living can be dramatically different.
The following shows variations in BCBA salaries in different regions of the country:
- Northeast – $70,000 to $95,000
- Midwest – $65,000 to $85,000
- South – $60,000 to $80,000
- West – $75,000 to $100,000
Which States Offer the Highest BCBA Salaries?
The ten states that pay the highest BCBA salaries are:
- New Jersey
- Tennessee
- Massachusetts
- Hawaii
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- Connecticut
- Washington
- Rhode Island
- New York
U.S. Cities With Highest BCBA Salaries
Below is a table detailing the top U.S. cities for high BCBA salaries:
Top Ten Highest-Paying Cities for BCBA Careers |
||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atkinson, NE | $97,531 |
| 2 | Frankston, TX | $94,273 |
| 3 | Inverness, CA | $92,094 |
| 4 | Barnstable Town, MA | $91,543 |
| 5 | Sunnyvale, CA | $90,462 |
| 6 | Santa Cruz, CA | $88,790 |
| 7 | Livermore, CA | $88,063 |
| 8 | Dimondale, MI | $88,012 |
| 9 | Manhattan, NY | $87,870 |
| 10 | Hooper Bay, AK | $87,606 |
Salary for Applied Behavior Analysis Leadership Roles
Another factor that can affect BCBA salaries is leadership positions. Administration and managerial positions involve more responsibility and can also garner a higher BCBA salary.
Some examples of these positions and salaries include:
- Behavior analyst directors: $100,00 annually
- Senior behavior analysts: $84,000 annually
- Behavioral health directors: $112,000 annually
- Clinical behavioral directors: $85,000 annually
The higher salaries may be tempting, but it’s worth considering that the salary is commensurate with the heightened responsibility required for the positions.
Job Market Trends Affecting BCBA Salaries
A recent report shows a 20% growth rate for BCBA positions over the next eight years and 22% over the next decade, which is larger than the average for all professions.
The trends are consistent with an upward growth trajectory for BCBA therapists over the past decade. In 2013 there were only 5,000 BCBA therapists, whereas in 2022, there were 48,000.
Earning a Great Salary As a BCBA While Making a Difference
There is a growing demand for BCBA therapists, which translates into a profitable career path for those who have earned the certification. As opportunities in the field continue to grow, looking forward to what kind of BCBA salary you can expect is worth looking forward to!
The factors that most influence the level of BCBA salary are education, experience, location, and industry. It is worth keeping expectations in line with the location, degrees earned, and years in the field. There is plenty of opportunity for BCBA salary growth for those who are determined.
At Flywheel Centers, we strive to hire the most passionate and dedicated professionals to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Apply today to be part of a supportive, innovative environment where your work truly matters.
Frequently Asked Questions About BCBAs’ Salaries
Do BCBAs earn more in private practice versus agency roles?
Yes, generally, BCBA therapists earn more in the private sector than in the public sector.
Are there any bonuses or benefits that BCBAs can expect?
BCBA therapists enjoy significant perks and benefits, such as prestige, a flexible schedule, job security, and increased BCBA salary commensurate with experience and further education.
What are the educational requirements for becoming a BCBA?
To become a BCBA, one must have a bachelor’s degree, complete graduate work with coursework in behavioral analysis, complete fieldwork, pass the BCBA exam, and take recertification tests every two years.
What is the average BCBA hourly rate in the US as of 2025?
As of 2025, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) in the United States earn an average annual salary of approximately $89,075, translating to about $42.82 per hour.
However, salary figures can vary depending on the source. For instance, Salary.com reports an average annual salary of $74,130, equating to roughly $36 per hour.
These variations highlight that BCBA salaries can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.
