In this article you will learn everything there is to know about ABA therapy jobs. This includes:
- What is ABA Therapy?
- Why People Become ABA Therapists?
- What Training Do You Need to be an ABA Therapist?
- Is ABA Therapy a Growing Field?
- Where Can ABA Trained Professionals Work?
- How Much Can an ABA Therapist Expect to Make (Broken down by state and certification)?
If you live in the Atlanta area and are interested in a career as an ABA therapist click the link.
So let’s start breaking down everything you need to know about ABA therapy jobs.
What is ABA Therapy?
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapy is a therapy based on the science of learning and behavior. This approach is, simply put, a therapy based on the belief that the behaviors one wishes to see can be taught through the use of rewards and consequences.
An ABA therapist is someone who uses ABA interventions to help their clients change problematic behaviors. ABA therapy is frequently used to help children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, ABA therapists may work with children, teens, and adults with a variety of diagnoses.
Why People Become ABA Therapists
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) is an area that combines aspects of psychology, counseling, education, and social work. Individuals who are drawn to this field are generally people with an interest in helping others. This field requires direct interactions with others and requires a wide range of problem solving and communication skills.
Although there is a wide range of educational skills that help one succeed in this field, there are also many personality traits that attract people to this particular type of work. People attracted to this type of work often have high levels of empathy for others, exhibit high levels of caring, and are attuned to noticing the needs and struggles of others.
People who are likely to fit well within this occupation tend to have above average amounts of social perceptiveness, persuasion, and critical thinking skills. Those considering this as an occupational option will need good active listening skills, good reading comprehension, and good writing and speaking skills.
What Training Do You Need to be an ABA Therapist?
Applied Behavioral Analysis is a theory used by many people in the fields of education and psychology. Historically there has been difficulty standardizing ABA treatment due to the time and cost associated with certifying and licensing providers. In 1998 the non-profit Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) established a series of certifications to help standardize the field. Not only does certification and licensing support standardization of education and practice within a field, but it also helps providers obtain recognition for their skills and coverage by insurance companies.
There are several levels of training and certification for people working within the field of ABA therapy. Adults at every education level beyond high school can find a certification level to help them move toward their professional goals.
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Certification:
There are no college degree requirements for an individual seeking Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification. This level of certification requires that the certificate holder have a high school diploma, be at least 18 years old, obtain 40 hours of ABA training, take and pass the RBT exam. This certification is for paraprofessionals and requires that the individual review their certification annually, follow specific codes of ethics, and work under the supervision of a professional in the field.
Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) Certification:
A Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) certification is the certification level for an ABA therapist with a bachelor level college education. A BCaBA must hold a bachelor’s degree, take ABA course work, undergo supervised experience, and pass a certification exam to obtain certification. To maintain their certification, analysts at this level must complete 20 CEU’s every two years, maintain supervision, and follow specific ethical codes.
A BCaBA may not provide ABA services without the supervision of a Board Certified Behavioral Analyst (BCBA). However, a BCaBA may supervise the work of an RBT.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Certification:
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) must hold a master’s degree. To obtain this certification an analyst must have a master’s degree in an acceptable field from an accredited university, take ABA specific course work, obtained supervised experience, and pass the certification exam. To maintain certification, a BCBA must complete 32 CEU’s every two years, follow specific ethical codes, and meet requirements for supervision. Professionals with a BCBA certification may work independently as ABA therapists.
Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) Certification:
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) Certification is a separate distinction from the BCBA but it does not grant any privileges beyond those conferred onto a BCBA. To obtain a BCBA-D, an analyst must be actively certified as a BCBA and hold a doctoral degree. The type of doctoral degree the analyst holds (accredited or non-accredited program) will impact the amount of supervision and ABA specific source work the analyst must complete prior to certification at this level.
Training for ABA Certification
Students looking for ABA certification can obtain course work both in brick and mortar classrooms and online. Many online ABA programs also offer practicum experiences that are required for certification at the bachelor’s level. College students may obtain the appropriate training courses as part of their undergraduate degree or in specially designed course work once they have obtained a bachelor’s degree.
Students seeking training in ABA therapy will be trained to:
- Write behavior plans
- Implement behavior plans
- Analyze data
- Conduct ABA assessments
Students looking to go beyond the bachelor’s degree can find many online degrees that offer master’s level ABA degrees and ABA master’s certificates.
Is ABA Therapy a Growing Field?
Those curious about ABA as a field of study will be heartened by the fact that this is likely to be an area of continued need and growth. In 2020, the CDC shared statistical information indicated that 1 in every 34 boys born in the US, and 1 in every 144 girls born in the US is diagnosed with autism. ABA is the most researched and most commonly used intervention for children on the autism spectrum.
Recent findings in the US show that autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability. If the trajectory of recent findings continues, we can expect the need for ABA professionals to continue to grow. Even if the trend reverses, we will continue to see an increase in the need for those with ABA training as there is no effective cure for ASD.
Where Can ABA Trained Professionals Work?
Behavior Analysts
When you think of a career in ABA, you probably find yourself thinking of an analyst working as a direct care provider as part of a therapeutic practice. Individuals working as an ABA may find work in a school setting, non-profit organizations, or in a clinical practice. A behavior analyst can expect to earn a median salary of $59,000/year. A new analyst with a master’s degree can expect to make about $59,000/year, while an analyst with a doctoral degree can expect to make around $78,000/year.
ABA Consultants
Although many ABA providers will work as direct care analysts, some prefer to work as consultants. An ABA consultant may find work in a clinical setting, in a school, or they may work in private practice. An ABA consultant may expect to make between $34 and $55 an hour. The rate a consultant can command will depend upon their level of education, expertise, and the location in which they work.
Clinical Directors
Some ABA therapists will provide less direct care to clients and focus their efforts on leading a team of clinicians. A clinical director may work for a non-profit or a for-profit agency. A clinical director may provide training and supervision/mentoring for other ABA therapists and paraprofessionals. The average median salary for a Clinical Director of a clinic focused on behavior analysis is $76,000 annually.
Schools
Many special education teachers will obtain ABA training in addition to their training in the field of education. This training gives them the ability to adapt general education lessons for students struggling with physical and sensory disabilities. Special Education teachers make an average of $40,000 to $55,000 a year, depending upon where they teach and the number of years they have in teaching experience.
School psychologists will hold either a Master’s degree or a Doctorate degree. These professionals may also seek special training in ABA therapy. School psychologists may work within an individual school, a set of schools within a district, or an entire school district. These professionals may conduct psychological evaluations of students, help in the development of Individualized Education Plans (IEP), and/or provide support to the overall student body for issues surrounding personal and community issues like grief and crisis. A school psychologist’s income will vary due to education levels and the areas in which they work. The median salary for a school psychologist is $61,000/year.
Social Workers
Social workers may also find ABA therapeutic training helpful in their direct care of families and children. Whether they work in a community setting, a school system, or a non-profit agency, a social worker who helps individuals deal with disabilities or crises will find the skills gained by ABA training augment their professional career skills.
How Much Can an ABA Therapist Expect to Make?
AppliedBehaviorAnalysesEdu.org offers a great deal of information on the salaries an ABA therapist can expect to make. This site offers one the ability to look at expected salaries in the largest cities of specific states.
Georgia
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $64,694 when working in the Atlanta area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $66,091. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $64,643.
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $56,284 when working in schools in the Columbus area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $58,053. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $54,444.
California
A BCBA can expect a median salary of $58,000 in Los Angeles when working in schools. The median salary for a hospital in this area is $56,000. A BCBA in private practice in this area can expect a median salary of $58,000.
A BCBA can expect a median salary of $66,000 in San Francisco when working in schools, The median salary for a hospital in this area is $62,000. A BCBA in private practice can expect to make a median salary of $61,000 here.
Texas
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $61, 361 when working in schools in the Austin area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $63, 033. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $63,173.
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $66,380 when working in schools in the Houston area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $67,488. A BCBA working for a company in Houston can expect an average salary of $67,251.
Florida
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $ 61,731 when working in schools in the Miami area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $62,655. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $62,583.
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $59,900 when working in schools in the Orlando area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $60,630. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $62,136.
New York
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $71,203 when working in schools in the New York City area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $71,487. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $70,900.
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $ 57,631 when working in schools in the Buffalo area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $60,070. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $60,764.
Pennsylvania
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $63,182 when working in schools in the Philadelphia area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $64,407. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $64,389.
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $52,017 when working in schools in the Erie area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $55,025. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $55,719.
Illinois
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $65,991 when working in schools in the Chicago area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $68,628. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $69,081.
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $62,320 when working in schools in the Aurora area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $65,174. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $66,461.
Ohio
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $61,447 when working in schools in the Columbus area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $63,603. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $63,943.
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $59,981 when working in schools in the Cleveland area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $62,113. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $62,435.
North Carolina
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $61,260 when working in schools in the Charlotte area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $62,827. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $62,912.
A BCBA can expect an average salary of $55,855 when working in schools in the High Point area. The average salary for a private practice in this area is $58,352. A BCBA working for a company in Austin can expect an average salary of $58,906
How Much Can a BCBA-D Expect to Make Annually?
A BCBA-D can expect to make considerably more on average annually than a BCBA.
California
In the state of California, a BCBA-D can expect to make an average of $92,551 annually.
Texas
In the state of Texas, a BCBA-D can expect to make an average of $83,414 annually.
Florida
In the state of Florida, a BCBA-D can expect to make an average of $79,532 annually.
New York
In the state of New York, a BCBA-D can expect to make an average of $103,261 annually.
Pennsylvania
In the state of Pennsylvania, a BCBA-D can expect to make an average of $82,510 annually.
Illinois
In the state of Illinois, a BCBA-D can expect to make an average of $82,510 annually.
Ohio
In the state of Ohio, a BCBA-D can expect to make an average of $87,863 annually.
Georgia
In the state of Georgia, a BCBA-D can expect to make an average of $84,382 annually.
North Carolina
In the state of North Carolina, a BCBA-D can expect to make an average of $75,732 annually.
