Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy is a specialized field within behavioral health that focuses on understanding and modifying behavior to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Working as a behavior analyst in ABA therapy can be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
There are numerous benefits to a career in this field, from making a positive impact on people’s lives to enjoying job stability and growth opportunities. Whether you are considering a career as a behavior analyst or are already working in the field, this post will outline the top benefits of a career in applied behavior analysis therapy.
What Does a Behavior Analyst Do?
Applied behavior analysis therapy is a fulfilling career specialty that bridges psychology and education. These professionals are needed more than ever as the prevalence of autism diagnoses increases. A behavior analyst, usually a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA), specializes in intervention strategies to help individuals with developmental disorders. They conduct behavioral assessments and work closely with behavioral care teams and families to help patients improve their quality of life. Their evidence-based practices and researched interventions provide strategic solutions for patients.
Patient Populations
Behavior analysts are often assumed to only work with individuals diagnosed with autism, but they work with a wide range of individuals, including children and adults, who may have developmental disabilities, learning disorders, mental health conditions, or behavioral issues. They help their clients establish social skills and improve daily routines.
General Responsibilities
Behavior analysts are highly educated and trained in the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and use these principles to assess, analyze, and develop behavior intervention plans for their clients. The general responsibilities of behavior analyst change depending on work facilities and patient populations, but most often include:
- Writing behavior support plans
- Observing and collecting data
- Conducting assessments
- Communicating with care teams
- Supporting implementation of new skills and strategies
Work Settings
Behavior analysts also collaborate with other professionals, such as psychologists, educators, and therapists, to ensure that individuals are receiving comprehensive and coordinated care. They may provide training and guidance to parents, teachers, and other caregivers to help them implement behavior management strategies and create supportive environments. BCBAs are needed in a variety of settings including schools, private practices, healthcare facilities, and nonprofit organizations.
10 Top Benefits of Career in ABA Therapy
There are many personal and professional benefits to consider in an applied behavior analysis therapy career.
- Career Satisfaction: Working as a behavior analyst means direct involvement in improving lives. Many relationships with patients are long-term, offering an opportunity to be part of significant growth and improvement. BCBAs can find significant career satisfaction when they successfully help individuals understand behavioral challenges and implement effective solutions.
- Job Demand: The demand for ABA therapy is increasing nationally and the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates this field may grow by 22% by 2031. The growing prevalence of autism diagnoses is also steadily increasing, as is insurance coverage for behavioral therapy. These factors will all continue to offer steadily growing career opportunities for behavior analysts.
- Compensation: As of January 2025, the average salary of a board certified behavior analyst is over $89,000 a year or almost $43 an hour. This salary also depends on geographic areas, level of education, and facility types. Some specializations within ABA therapy, such as severe behavior disorders or early interventions, earn more than others. The growing demand for BCBAs should also result in increasing salaries.
- Flexibility: Not all ABA therapists have traditional 9 to 5 schedules. They can work less traditional hours spread throughout the week or even on weekends, in one facility or a variety. Shorter work schedules offer flexibility for individual situations. The need for ABA therapy is increasing so steadily that many facilities work closely with BCBAs to establish a full-time or part-time schedule.
- Rewarding Work: There is a lot of creativity involved in ABA therapy. Every client’s needs are different, and it is the BCBA’s job to assess what approach will best improve a patient’s quality of life. ABA therapy utilizes positive reinforcement, modeling, role-playing, verbal exercises, social experiences, and more. This individualized approach over time provides an impactful, rewarding work experience.
- Online/Telehealth Positions: Not all behavior analysts work regularly in an office with in-person appointments. Therapy appointments can be done virtually, allowing BCBAs to work from home or multiple locations. This also means behavior analysts can reach a patient base that is not local, meaning many career opportunities are still open no matter where you live.
- Workday Variety: There are many different specialties within ABA therapy. Beyond autism, behavior analysts work with patients with depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), severe anxiety, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), phobias or debilitating fears, anger management, and more. This variety of conditions means there is a lot of tailoring treatment plans to individuals to keep work interesting.
- Professional Support: As a behavior analyst, you are part of a team of caring professionals who come together to improve patient lives. By working together, these professionals can provide a more comprehensive and integrated approach to addressing the needs of individuals with behavioral health challenges.
- Career Advancement: As autism diagnoses increase, ABA therapy is also increasingly recognized as an effective tool. This means more certification and licensure opportunities are becoming available, which can then advance your career in your preferred area. Becoming a board certified behavior analyst also opens doors for career advancement.
- Life Skills: Behavior analysts gain professional skills that can transfer to all areas of life. BCBAs gain valuable experience in communicating, observing, and troubleshooting, in combination with evidence-based practices.
How to Become a BCBA
Becoming a board certified behavior analyst is a rigorous process that requires a combination of education, practical experience, and passing a certification exam. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a BCBA, here is a step-by-step guide on how to become board certified.
Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree is usually a requirement for ABA therapy positions. Some majors that will lay helpful groundwork for a BCBA career include behavior analysis, psychology, and special education. Any courses that cover subject matter in mental health conditions, behavior disorders, or emotional disorders will be helpful in preparation for a career as a behavior analyst.
Gain Experience
This can be done through supervised fieldwork or an internship at an approved behavior analysis agency. The number of required hours may vary depending on the certification board, so it is important to check the specific requirements for the BCBA certification you are pursuing.
Getting hands-on practical experience can also help with networking and professional development. Then behavior analysts will have direct access to coworkers and professionals to ask any questions about their ABA therapy career.
Graduate Degree
Many ABA therapy positions do not require a graduate degree, but it’s something to consider pursuing if you intend to become board certified. It is highly recommended to pursue a master’s degree or higher in behavior analysis or a related field.
This coursework should cover topics such as behavior assessment, intervention strategies, data analysis, and ethical considerations in behavior analysis. This education will provide students with advanced knowledge and specialized training in behavior analysis, making them more competitive candidates for BCBA certification.
Board Certification
Once you have obtained the required education and practical experience, you will be eligible to sit for the BCBA certification exam. This exam is administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and tests your knowledge and understanding of behavior analysis principles and practices. It is a comprehensive exam that covers a range of topics and requires thorough preparation. The certification is then maintained through continuing education (CE) courses and a recurring fee.
Behavioral Health Jobs with SHC
Supplemental Health Care (SHC) has long been a leader in improving behavioral health opportunities and services. We recognize the growing need for increased support in schools and other settings, and our team works to connect BCBAs, BCaBAs, and RBTs with the right opportunities for their behavioral health careers.
If you’re looking for a job in applied behavior analysis therapy, search our open positions today or contact our recruiting team today to learn more about how SHC is currently expanding opportunities in behavioral health.
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