ABA Therapist Salary Guide 2024 – How Much Do ABA Therapists Earn?

By PsychologyJobs.com Staff Writer

Our career guides are produced by staff writers in conjunction with our expert career coaches.

An ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) therapist is a professional who uses the principles of behavior analysis to develop and implement treatment plans that help individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral disorders, or other challenges to improve their skills and behaviors. Learn more about becoming an ABA therapist.

The average annual salary for a full-time ABA therapist is $42,000 which equates to around $20 per hour.

Here is how you can expect your hourly rate to increase with experience:

  • Less than 1 year of experience: $16.01 per hour on average
  • 1-4 years of experience: $17.92 per hour on average
  • 5-9 years of experience: $20.09 per hour on average
  • 10-19 years of experience: $22.08 per hour on average

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Which states offer the highest salaries for ABA therapists?

  1. California – $62,712
  2. Massachusetts – $59,281
  3. New York – $55,215
  4. New Jersey – $54,828
  5. Connecticut – $53,993

Which cities have the highest ABA therapist salaries?

  1. San Francisco, CA – $83,255
  2. New York, NY – $62,011
  3. Los Angeles, CA – $57,623
  4. Boston, MA – $55,595
  5. Washington, DC – $54,960

How can you earn more as an ABA therapist?

Obtain higher levels of education and certification

Pursuing additional education and certifications can make you more competitive for higher-paying jobs.

Pursuing a Master’s degree in behavioral psychology or a related field can also increase earning potential. ABA therapists with a Master’s degree earn an average of $56,000 per year, compared to an average salary of $49,000 per year for those with only a Bachelor’s degree.

Consider working for a larger organization

Hospitals, universities, and government agencies frequently offer higher salaries and better benefits than smaller practices and community clinics.

ABA therapists working for hospitals earn an average of $57,000 per year, compared to the industry average salary of $42,000 per year.

Large universities or research institutions may also offer higher salaries and additional benefits, such as tuition reimbursement for additional education or professional development opportunities.

How does an ABA therapist salary compare to other similar roles?

Here is a breakdown of average salaries for ABA therapists by certification level, according to the BACB:

  • Registered Behavior Technician (RBT): $33,000 per year.
  • Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA): $45,000.
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA): $70,000.
  • Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D): $85,000.