Registered Behavior Technician Salary Guide

The average salary in the US for a registered behavior technician is $39,520 annually.

More experienced RBTs can command higher salaries and some positions with more responsibilities, specialism or scope will offer greater pay. It isn’t uncommon to earn upwards of $60k in this role.

1. Hawaii – $54,222
2. California – $47,980
3. Massachusetts – $46,140
4. Connecticut – $45,739
5. New York – $44,520
6. Maryland – $42,515
7. Vermont – $41,975
8. District of Columbia – $40,868
9. Alaska – $39,710
10. New Hampshire – $39,093

Pursue Further Education and Certifications

Advancing education and gaining additional certifications can lead to higher pay. For instance, RBTs can pursue a master’s degree and work towards becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), a role that significantly boosts earning potential.

BCBAs can earn an average salary of approximately $65,000, and often more depending on location and years of experience.

Specialize in High-Demand Areas

RBTs can specialize in areas that have a higher demand for their services, which can lead to increased wages.

Specializing in working with specific populations, such as adults with developmental disabilities or children with severe behavioral issues, can make an RBT more valuable to employers who need these specialized skills.

Negotiate Employment Benefits and Seek Supervisory Roles

Besides base salary, RBTs can negotiate other forms of compensation that effectively increase their take-home pay. This includes seeking positions that offer robust benefits like health insurance, professional development allowances, and performance bonuses.

Additionally, RBTs with considerable experience and additional training can pursue supervisory positions within their organizations, which often come with salary increases. Supervisory roles not only provide a higher base salary but also give the technician broader responsibilities and the chance to influence organizational practices and policies.