BCBA Careers: Behavior Analyst Salary Guide

If you’re exploring a career in applied behavior analysis (ABA), or considering your next step as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®), compensation is an important question to ask. This guide provides a realistic overview of BCBA salary ranges, explains why pay varies, and helps you understand how compensation connects to experience and location. 

What does a behavior analyst do?

In most clinical and educational settings, the term behavior analyst refers to a Board Certified Behavior Analyst. BCBAs are graduate-level healthcare professionals who are responsible for designing, overseeing, and adjusting ABA therapy programs for individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Common BCBA responsibilities include:

• Conducting behavioral assessments
• Developing individualized treatment plans
• Supervising Registered Behavior Technicians® (RBTs®) and student analysts
• Analyzing data to monitor progress and guide clinical decisions
• Collaborating with families, schools, and interdisciplinary care teams
• Ensuring ethical, clinical, and regulatory standards are met

How much do BCBAs make?

Across the United States, BCBA salaries typically fall between $66,000 and $120,000+ per year, though compensation varies widely based on experience and location.

According to Glassdoor salary data, average BCBA base pay in the U.S. is as follows:

• Entry-level BCBA salary (0-1 years): approximately $66,000 to $99,000
• Mid-level BCBA salary (4-6 years): approximately $70,000 to $105,000
• Experienced BCBA salary (10+ years): $79,000 to $127,000 or more¹

Some senior or specialized roles exceed these ranges, particularly in leadership or high-demand markets. Explore our BCBA salary estimator to learn more.

Board Certified Behavior Analyst salary range explained

Why do BCBA salaries vary? BCBA compensation varies because the role itself can look different from one setting or region to another. Two BCBAs with the same credentials may earn different salaries depending on how and where they practice. 

Factors that most often influence BCBA salary include:

• Years of clinical experience
• Geographic location and cost of living
• Practice setting (center-based, school-based, or home-based)
• Caseload size and case complexity
• Supervisory or leadership responsibilities
• Employment structure (salaried employee versus contract role)

BCBA salary by experience level

Entry-level BCBA salary

Newly certified BCBAs are often transitioning from supervised training to independent clinical practice. At this stage, compensation typically reflects:

• Fewer years of independent case management
• Smaller or more supported caseloads
• Ongoing mentorship and clinical oversight
• A strong emphasis on learning, feedback, and skill development
  

In many markets, entry-level BCBA salaries fall between $60,000 and $80,000, with structured increases tied to clinical growth and expanded responsibilities. Early career roles tend to prioritize skill development and clinical judgment over maximizing earnings.

Mid-level BCBA salary

As BCBAs gain experience, both responsibility and compensation often increase. Mid-level BCBAs may:

• Manage higher-acuity or more complex cases
• Supervise larger therapy teams
• Lead Family Guidance and interdisciplinary collaboration
• Demonstrate consistent, data-driven clinical outcomes
  

In many regions, this places BCBA job salary in the $80,000 to $90,000 range.

Experienced BCBA salary

Highly experienced BCBAs, or those in leadership, training, or program oversight roles, may earn $90,000 to $110,000 or more, particularly in high-demand or high-cost markets. These roles typically involve broader clinical influence and administrative responsibility. 

Use our BCBA compensation estimator to see a personalized salary range based on your experience and location, along with how ABC’s benefits contribute to total compensation.

What’s the BCBA salary by state?

BCBA salaries vary by state due to differences in demand, cost of living, insurance coverage for ABA services, and workforce availability. States with higher pay often combine strong autism services legislation, broad insurance coverage, and sustained demand for credentialed clinicians.

Urban areas typically offer higher BCBA salaries due to increased demand, higher living costs, and greater employer competition. Rural areas often offer lower base salaries, though living expenses may also be reduced.

How to become a BCBA

Becoming a BCBA requires formal education, supervised experience, and certification through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®).

Step 1: Earn a qualifying graduate degree

Complete a master’s degree (or higher) that meets BACB coursework requirements in behavior analysis or a related field. Many candidates complete their degree while working as an RBT in an ABA setting or through fellowships like The Everest Program.

Step 2: Complete supervised fieldwork hours

You’ll complete required supervised clinical hours under a qualified BCBA, focusing on assessment, treatment planning, and data-based decision-making.

Step 3: Pass the BCBA certification exam

After meeting coursework and supervision requirements, you must pass the BCBA exam to earn certification and qualify for BCBA-level roles and pay.

Learn more: 8 Questions Every BCBA Should Ask Potential Employers

The Everest Program

The Everest Program is Action Behavior Centers’ no-cost, paid BCBA fellowship designed to support clinicians from student analyst to BCBA. The Everest Program provides structured support, clear expectations, and hands-on experience to help clinicians progress confidently toward BCBA certification.

Participants receive:

• 100% paid RBT training and certification
• Discounted tuition through university partners
• Student loan repayment assistance
• No-cost fieldwork supervision hours (Restricted and Unrestricted)
• Incentive pay for unrestricted hours
• Access to study materials and live sessions
• Paid time off for exam prep
• BDS Modules
• Bonuses for passing the BCBA exam

Learn more: Scaling New Heights: Everest Program Testimonials

What happens after BCBA certification?

After certification, most BCBAs transition into roles with increased clinical responsibility and autonomy. Early post-certification work often includes:

• Taking ownership of treatment plans
• Supervising ABA therapists
• Conducting autism assessments like the ADOS-2
• Updating autism treatment goals based on data
• Leading Family Guidance sessions

The first year as a BCBA often focuses on refining clinical judgment, managing caseloads, and developing leadership skills. Supportive supervision and clear role structure during this period can significantly influence long-term career growth.

Learn more: Top ABA Graduate Programs: A Comprehensive Guide

Start your ABA career at Action Behavior Centers today!

Action Behavior Centers supports clinicians at every stage of their ABA careers, from entry-level roles through BCBA and into leadership positions. Teams work in structured, evidence-based environments with clear expectations, strong supervision, and defined clinical pathways. Every ABC teammate is supported by strong clinical leadership and empowered to be their very best.

Explore our ABA job opportunities to get started.