BCBA, or Board Certified Behavior Analyst, is a highly sought-after profession in the field of psychology. It is a specialized profession that requires extensive education, training, and certification.
The main responsibility of a BCBA is to help individuals with behavioral disorders, such as autism, and develop appropriate and effective treatments.
As of February 2023, the average salary for a BCBA in the U.S. is around $74,139 per year.
The BLS reports that the lowest 10 percent of psychologists earned less than $45,380 per year, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $132,070 per year.
One of the most important factors that can influence the salary of a BCBA is the level of education and experience. BCBA professionals with a master's degree or a Ph.D. tend to earn more than those with just a bachelor's degree.
Additionally, those with several years of experience in the field tend to earn more than those just starting out.
BCBA Salary By State
Another factor that can influence the salary of a BCBA is the location and type of employer. BCBA professionals working in metropolitan areas tend to earn more than those working in rural areas.
Similarly, those working for larger organizations, such as hospitals or schools, tend to earn more than those working for smaller organizations.
The demand for BCBA professionals is on the rise. The BLS reports that employment of psychologists, including BCBA professionals, is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
It's worth noting that these figures are just averages and do not necessarily represent what an individual BCBA will earn in a particular state. Other factors such as education level and years of experience can also impact salary.
If you're considering pursuing a career as a BCBA or are already working in the field and looking to relocate or negotiate your salary, researching average wages by state can be a helpful starting point.
Highest Paying Cities For BCBAs
There are 10 cities where the average BCBA salary is between $83,000-$90,000, which is considerably higher than the national average.
- Barnstable Town, MA - $89,990
- Sunnyvale, CA - $89,372
- Santa Cruz, CA - $87,426
- Livermore, CA - $87,041
- Manhattan, NY - $87,013
- Santa Rosa, CA - $86,625
- Dimondale, MI - $85,986
- Port Washington, NY - $84,199
- Cambridge, MA - $84,127
- Watertown, MA - $83,909
Another important factor that can influence the salary of a BCBA is the city in which they work. According to recent data, some of the highest-paying cities for BCBAs include San Francisco, California; Seattle, Washington; Boston, Massachusetts; and New York City, New York.
In San Francisco, BCBAs can expect to earn an average annual salary of around $94,000. In Seattle and Boston, the average annual salary for a BCBA is around $78,000 and $76,000 respectively. Meanwhile, in New York City, BCBAs can earn an average annual salary of around $83,000.
It's worth noting that these figures are just averages and do not necessarily represent what an individual BCBA will earn in a particular city. Other factors such as education level and years of experience can also impact salary.
However, knowing which cities offer higher salaries can be helpful when considering relocation or negotiating a higher wage.
How to Increase Your BCBA Salary
There are several strategies that can help increase your BCBA salary. One of the most effective ways is to continue your education and earn additional certifications.
Pursuing advanced degrees, such as a Ph.D., or obtaining specialized certifications, such as a Certified Autism Specialist (CAS), can demonstrate your expertise and make you more valuable to employers.
Another way to increase your BCBA salary is to gain experience in different settings.
Working in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and community centers, can provide you with a diverse range of skills and experiences that can make you more marketable to employers.
Networking is also an important tool for increasing your BCBA salary. Building professional relationships with other BCBAs and professionals in related fields can lead to job opportunities and increased visibility within the field.
Finally, negotiating your salary is an important step in increasing your earnings as a BCBA. It's important to research average salaries for BCBAs in your area and come prepared with evidence of your qualifications and accomplishments when discussing salary with potential employers.
Highest Paying Companies For BCBAs
In addition to cities and states, the company or organization a BCBA works for can also play a significant role in determining their salary. Some companies are known to pay higher salaries than others, making them attractive options for BCBAs looking to maximize their earnings.
One example of a high-paying company for BCBAs is Centria Autism. The Michigan-based company specializes in providing autism therapy services and has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States.
According to data from Glassdoor, BCBAs working for Centria Autism can earn an average annual salary of around $80,000.
Another high-paying company for BCBAs is Trumpet Behavioral Health. Based in Colorado, Trumpet Behavioral Health provides ABA therapy services to individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
According to recent job postings on Indeed, BCBAs working for Trumpet Behavioral Health can earn an average annual salary of around $85,000.
Other notable companies that offer high salaries for BCBAs include May Institute, Behavior Frontiers, and Butterfly Effects. While these companies may offer higher salaries than some other organizations, they may also have more competitive hiring processes or require specific experience or certifications.
Factors That Influence BCBA Salary
Several factors can influence the salary of a BCBA, including their level of education, years of experience in the field, location and type of employer.
BCBAs with an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. tend to earn more than those with just a bachelor's degree. Similarly, those with several years of experience in the field tend to earn more than those just starting out.
The type of employer and location can also play a significant role in determining the salary of a BCBA.
For instance, BCBAs working for larger organizations such as hospitals or schools tend to earn more than those working for smaller organizations. Similarly, BCBAs working in metropolitan areas typically earn higher salaries compared to those working in rural areas.
Another factor that can impact the salary of a BCBA is the demand for their services in their area.
In areas where there is a high demand for BCBA professionals, they may have more negotiating power when it comes to their salary. Additionally, some employers may offer bonuses or other incentives to attract and retain qualified BCBAs.
Overall, while there are several factors that can influence the salary of a BCBA, pursuing advanced degrees and certifications, gaining experience in different settings, networking with other professionals in related fields and researching average salaries by state and city can all help increase earning potential.
Summary
In conclusion, the average salary of a BCBA professional can vary significantly depending on several factors, including education, experience, location, and type of employer. However, with the increasing demand for BCBA professionals, the future looks bright for those pursuing a career in this field.
References
- https://www.thetreetop.com/aba-therapy/average-bcba-salary
- https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-BCBA-Salary-by-State
- https://www.crossrivertherapy.com/behavioral-analysts/average-bcba-salary-by-state
- https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisedu.org/salaries/
- https://www.goldenstepsaba.com/resources/average-bcba-salary