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Applied Behavior Analysis Salary Ranges
The demand for credentialed applied behavior analysts has more than doubled in recent years.* It’s a fast-growing career field for those interested in helping people who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Due to the high demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA), the profession offers good job mobility, many options for applied behavior analysis (ABA) careers, and strong ABA salary ranges.
BCBA Average Salary
Employers typically require their applied behavior analysis (ABA) professionals to:
- Graduate from accredited applied behavior analysis programs (MEd degree)
- Pass the national Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam
While the BCBA average salary is $56,730, nationally, about one-third of Board Certified Behavior Analysts receive salaries above $75,000 per year. Some in high-demand areas make more than $145,000 per year.
Sources: Payscale.com and Association of Professional Behavior Analysts report, 2014
Applied Behavior Analysis Programs, Tuition, and BCBA Pass Rates
Credentialed behavior analysts start by graduating from quality, accredited applied behavior analysis programs. The Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) sets curriculum guidelines for these master’s degrees. This helps ensure that graduates are eligible and prepared to sit for the national Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam.
Therefore, when considering graduate degree options, look for programs that:
- Offer affordable tuition to working adults
- Produce graduates with high BCBA exam pass rates
Compare tuition at Cambridge College to similar behavior analyst master’s degree programs. We’re proud to help working adults achieve their goals thanks to more affordable tuition. Learn more about our Master of Education, Autism / Behavior Analyst, degree.
In addition, 86 percent of Cambridge College graduates from the applied behavior analysis program pass the Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) exam on the first try. That’s much higher than other schools and higher than the national average BCBA pass rates.*
Autism / Behavior Analyst Tuition Assistance and Fieldwork
Due to the increasing demand for credentialed ABA therapists, employers often provide tuition assistance. In many cases that means that you can earn your master's degree while also starting your behavior analyst career working alongside analysts who are already certified.
Many of these degree programs, including the one offered by Cambridge College in Boston, require you to be working in the ABA field so that you have somewhere to complete the required hands-on field experience.
In addition, because many of your coworkers will also be completing applied behavior analysis programs, you’ll find many opportunities to study together, provide peer support, and grow your professional network, which can increase your job and ABA salary prospects before and after graduation.
Learn more about applied behavioral analyst careers.
Boston Autism Behavioral Analysis Salary Breakdowns
While the demand for behavior analysts is high across the United States, Massachusetts ranks in the top three states with the strongest demand.
In the last five years in the Boston area, behavior analyst salary ranges with one year of work experience have increased 11 percent.
Sources: US Behavior Analyst Workforce: Understanding the National Demand for Behavior Analysts, Behavior Analyst Certifications Board and Payscale.com
Applied Behavior Analyst Salary and Jobs
Most ABA therapy for autism jobs fall into these categories of employers:
- Medical or healthcare providers or organizations
- School districts, schools, and companies that provide private ABA services
- Employers that provide social assistance
Other areas of job growth for applied behavioral analysts include working with:
- Insurance companies
- Governmental agencies
- Autism research
Private companies and government agencies, along with ABA therapists who work in private practice tend to make more than those working in schools.
Take the First Step in Earning Your Applied Behavior Analyst Master’s Degree
Cambridge College offers flexible and affordable degrees to working adults. Students choose our degree programs because they want to earn higher salaries, grow their existing careers, or change careers. Our admissions team is happy to answer your questions. Let us know if you need additional information about online, evening, or weekend classes; or tuition and financial aid.
