Average BCaBA Salary By State

Regional Salary Insights for BCaBAs in the U.S.

June 26, 2025

Understanding the Variability in BCaBA Compensation Across States

The field of behavior analysis is experiencing rapid growth, with BCaBA salaries varying widely across different regions of the United States. This variation is influenced by multiple factors such as regional demand, cost of living, industry sectors, and local economic conditions. For aspiring and current BCaBAs, understanding these regional disparities is essential for making informed career decisions, optimizing earning potential, and planning career progression effectively.

Average BCaBA Salaries Across the U.S.

What is the average salary of a BCaBA across different regions?

The salary of a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) varies significantly across different regions in the United States. Nationally, BCaBA salaries typically range from about $45,000 to $65,000 annually. However, the actual figures can be much higher or lower depending on several factors.

In high-demand states such as Massachusetts and Hawaii, BCaBA salaries tend to be at the top end of the spectrum. Massachusetts offers an average salary of approximately $60,940, while Hawaii provides around $54,510 per year. These states benefit from both high demand for ABA services and generally higher costs of living.

Conversely, in states with lower demand and cost of living, such as Arkansas and South Carolina, salaries are comparatively lower. Arkansas offers an average of about $47,153, and South Carolina's average is roughly $39,667 annually.

Regional differences are further influenced by economic factors, including local demand and the availability of work in various settings. Major metropolitan areas, particularly cities like Boston and Honolulu, tend to have higher salaries due to increased demand and cost of living.

Additionally, regions such as the West, Northeast, and certain parts of the Midwest and South offer a broad spectrum of salaries. For example, in California, which has a robust demand for ABA services, salaries can reach an average of $61,340. Alaska and Massachusetts are at the higher end of the regional pay scale, with averages nearing $95,000 and $60,000 respectively.

Overall, geography, demand for ABA therapy, and local economic conditions significantly impact BCaBA salaries across the country. Professionals working in high-demand areas or specialized private practices tend to earn more than those in general healthcare or public sector jobs in lower-demand regions.

State/Region	Average Salary	Salary Range	Notes
Massachusetts	$60,940	-	High demand, high-cost living
Hawaii	$54,510	-	High demand, high costs of living
California	$61,340	-	Large demand, urban centers
Alaska	$99,394*	-	High demand, remote locations increase pay
Arkansas	$47,153	-	Lower demand, lower cost of living
South Carolina	$39,667	-	Lower demand, more rural areas

*Note: Alaska’s average is the highest state salary for behavior analysts.

In summary, BCaBA salaries in the U.S. are largely influenced by regional factors. As demand for ABA services continues to grow along with recognition of its effectiveness, salaries in high-demand locations are likely to increase further.

Regional Disparities and Influencing Factors

Explore how demand, economy, and cost of living shape BCaBA salaries across the U.S.

What regional disparities exist in BCaBA salaries?

In the United States, salaries for BCaBAs vary significantly depending on geographic location. Urban areas and regions with high demand for behavioral health services tend to offer higher compensation. For example, states like Massachusetts and Hawaii have some of the highest average BCaBA salaries, with figures reaching around $95,000 and $94,600 annually. Major cities such as San Francisco, CA, offer even higher wages, with averages around $93,846.

Conversely, rural and less populated areas often see lower salary levels. Arkansas, for instance, has the lowest average BCaBA salary at approximately $47,153 per year. South Carolina also reflects this trend with an average of just over $39,000 annually. This variation is influenced by factors like demand for autism and behavioral health services, cost of living, and local economic conditions.

Demand for autism services in different regions

Regions with a higher need for autism and behavioral health services tend to pay more to attract qualified professionals. States such as California, Florida, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia have seen increased demand since 2010. This surge is driven by broader awareness, insurance coverage improvements, and policy shifts favoring ABA therapy.

High-demand areas often feature a concentration of specialized clinics and healthcare organizations, which offer competitive salaries to retain skilled staff. For example, California’s average BCaBA salary sits at approximately $61,340, but top-paying cities like Santa Cruz see figures as high as $112,456.

Impact of economic conditions on salaries

The economic health of a region profoundly influences BCaBA salaries. Wealthier regions and states with robust healthcare sectors, such as Alaska, offer some of the highest salaries nationally, around $99,394 on average.

Economic factors also include the cost of living, which tends to correlate with higher salaries in metro areas with expensive housing markets like San Francisco and Honolulu. These factors push salaries upward to attract professionals despite higher living expenses.

Location Type	Average Salary Range	Notable Factors
Urban/High-demand	$80,000 - $95,000+	High demand, competition, cost of living
Rural/Less dense	$40,000 - $50,000	Lower demand, economic activity
Highest locations	San Francisco, CA: ~$93K	Cost of living, specialized roles
Lowest locations	Arkansas: ~$47K	Reduced demand, economic factors

Understanding these disparities can help professionals make informed decisions about where to work and how to leverage additional certifications and experience to maximize earning potential in their region.

Top and Lowest Paying Regions for BCaBAs

Identify the highest and lowest paying regions to strategize your career path.

Which regions offer the highest and lowest salaries for BCaBA professionals?

The landscape of BCaBA salaries across the United States varies significantly based on location, demand, and economic factors. California stands out as the highest paying region, especially in cities like Santa Cruz, CA, which boasts an average salary of around $112,456 per year. Other high-demand states include Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Alaska, with average salaries nearing $95,000. These regions benefit from strong demand for behavioral professionals and higher living costs, which push salaries upward.

On the other hand, some states have lower average wages for BCaBAs. South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi are among these, with annual salary averages roughly between $39,667 and $47,153. These lower figures are often due to reduced demand for services, lower cost of living, and less robust industry support within these areas.

Economic conditions, regional demand, and the presence of industries supporting ABA therapy play vital roles in influencing salary disparities. High-demand regions tend to offer more competitive compensation to attract qualified professionals, while regions with less demand may have less lucrative pay scales.

Below is a comparison table summarizing the regional differences:

Region	Highest Average Salary	Notable Cities / States	Factors Influencing Salary
High-paying	Over $100,000	California (Santa Cruz, Redwood City), Massachusetts, Hawaii, Alaska	High demand, elevated cost of living, concentration of private practices
Lower-paying	$39,667 – $47,153	South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi	Lower demand, lower cost of living, less industry support

Overall, the distribution highlights where behavioral analysts can expect higher compensation and points to economic and demand factors impacting wages. Professionals interested in maximizing their earning potential should consider regions with high demand and support structures for ABA services.

For further details and real-time salary data, search for "highest and lowest BCaBA salaries by state 2024."

Factors Influencing Geographic Salary Variations

Discover key factors like demand and industry support impacting salary differences.

What factors influence the geographic salary variations for BCaBAs?

Salaries for BCaBAs vary significantly across different regions, influenced by a combination of demand, cost of living, and individual qualifications.

One of the primary drivers of salary differences is the demand for behavioral services. States like California, Massachusetts, and Hawaii experience high demand due to increased awareness of autism spectrum disorder and the effectiveness of ABA therapy. This heightened demand often results in higher wages for BCaBAs working in these areas.

Cost of living adjustments also play a crucial role. Urban centers such as Boston, Honolulu, and New York have higher living costs, which employers typically compensate for with increased salaries. For example, BCaBAs in San Francisco and Santa Cruz earn above-average wages partly because of the high cost of housing and everyday expenses.

Furthermore, local economic conditions and the availability of jobs affect salary levels. Regions with a dense network of autism and behavioral health service providers tend to offer more competitive pay to attract qualified professionals.

Personal qualifications also impact salaries. Higher education levels, such as master’s degrees, and specialized certifications can lead to higher earning potential. Experienced BCaBAs and those with advanced credentials are often offered more competitive compensation, especially in markets where they are in high demand.

In summary, regional differences in service demand, cost of living, economic factors, and individual qualifications all combine to shape the landscape of BCaBA salaries across the country.

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Impact of Location on BCaBA Salary Prospects and Earning Potential

Learn how geographic location influences your salary opportunities and growth.

How does geographic location affect BCaBA salary prospects and earning potential?

Geographic location significantly influences salary prospects for BCaBAs across the U.S. High-demand cities and regions tend to offer greater earning potential. Cities like San Francisco, CA, and Honolulu, HI, stand out for their higher salaries, often exceeding $90,000 annually. These areas experience increased demand for behavioral services, which boosts wages.

In contrast, rural areas generally offer lower pay scales. Reduced demand for ABA services, combined with a lower cost of living, means salaries are typically less competitive in less populated regions. For example, in states like Arkansas and South Carolina, BCaBA salaries average between $39,667 and $47,153 per year.

Urban centers in states like California, Alaska, and the Northeast have become hotspots for lucrative opportunities. Private practice settings and specialized roles in these areas often pay over $100,000 annually. Conversely, in some regions with lower demand, salaries tend to hover in the $40,000s to $50,000s.

Overall, location not only affects income levels but also offers different career growth opportunities. Cities with high demand and greater professional resources typically provide pathways for advancement, higher wages, and specialized roles in private practice or institutional settings.

Influence of high-demand cities

High-demand cities such as Boston, San Francisco, and Honolulu are known for offering top-tier salaries. This is due to the region's strong demand for ABA therapy, especially in urban and affluent areas, where the cost of living is also higher.

In these cities, BCaBAs working in private practice or with private organizations can earn upwards of $70,000 to over $100,000 annually. These locations tend to have more competitive salary packages owing to a shortage of qualified professionals and higher demand for behavioral services.

Private practice and institutional settings

Private practices and specialized institutional settings tend to pay higher salaries for BCaBAs. In high-demand cities, private organizations often offer salary packages that rival or surpass hospital or government-based roles.

While institutional roles like hospitals or clinics may offer stable employment, salaries in private practice are often more negotiable and potentially more lucrative, especially in affluent urban areas. This makes location and employer type crucial factors in earnings.

Region	Typical Salary Range	Influencing Factors
High-demand cities	$70,000 to $120,000+	Urban demand, cost of living, private practice opportunities
Rural areas	$39,667 to $47,153	Lower demand, cost of living, fewer specialized roles
Overall top regions	$50,000 to $100,000+	Demand, industry type, certification level

Understanding these geographic and setting influences can help BCaBA professionals plan their career paths to maximize income and growth opportunities.

Career Outlook and Future Salary Trends

What is the outlook for BCaBA salaries and career growth across regions?

The future for BCaBA salaries and career opportunities looks very promising across the United States. With a rising demand for autism services and increased awareness of the benefits of ABA therapy, job availability is expanding steadily.

In high-demand states like Massachusetts, which averages a salary of $95,048, Hawaii at $94,601, and California, salaries can go beyond $100,000, especially in private practice or urban centers. The growing need for behavioral support in healthcare, education, and community settings fuels this positive trend.

Experience and additional certifications play a significant role in salary increases. For example, higher degrees such as master’s or doctoral credentials typically boost earning potential. Leaders in the field, such as behavior analyst directors, in some cases earn up to $112,000 annually, reflecting advanced roles and responsibilities.

As the field continues to grow, especially in regions with higher demand like California, Alaska, and Texas, BCaBAs have abundant opportunities for career advancement and salary growth. Urban areas and specialized clinics tend to offer higher wages, making the profession increasingly attractive for those seeking both meaningful work and financial stability.

Overall, the employment outlook is strong, with projections indicating continued growth, higher salaries, and expanded scope of practice. This outlook makes becoming a BCaBA a compelling career choice for those interested in behavioral health and therapy.

Supplementary Data and Insights

What is the US national average salary for BCaBAs and how does it compare to related roles?

The average annual salary for a BCaBA in the United States is approximately $70,884. This figure places BCaBAs in the mid-range of behavior analysis salaries, notably lower than BCBAs, who earn about $89,075 on average each year. Entry-level BCaBAs can expect earnings starting around $45,000, with potential to rise significantly with experience, advanced education, and leadership positions.

Higher degrees such as master’s or doctoral levels substantially boost earning potential, particularly in private practices or managerial roles, where salaries can surpass $100,000. This contrasts with the typical starting salaries, highlighting the importance of further certification and experience.

Role of industry and employer type in salary levels

Industry and employer type play pivotal roles in determining behavior analyst salaries. Sectors like healthcare, professional services, and government agencies generally offer higher remuneration compared to non-profit or basic service providers. For instance, private practices and government roles can pay up to $120,000 or more, reflecting the scope of responsibilities and the demand for specialized expertise.

Leadership positions, such as behavior analyst directors, command even higher salaries, reaching up to $112,000 annually. Major cities and regions with high demand—such as San Francisco, CA and Alaska—also tend to offer elevated salaries due to cost of living and market demand.

Comparing BCaBA and BCBA salaries

When comparing BCaBAs to BCBAs, the difference in earning potential is notable. BCBAs earn approximately $89,075 annually, roughly 30-50% more than BCaBAs. Certification level is a significant factor: BCBAs have completed more extensive training and supervision requirements, which translate into higher compensation.

Table: Salary Comparison Between BCaBA and BCBA

Role	Average Salary	Range	Additional Notes
BCaBA	$70,884	$45,000 - $95,000	Entry-level possible; increases with experience
BCBA	$89,075	$47,500 - $149,000	Higher certification and experience lead to more earnings

Future outlook and growth factors

The demand for behavior analysts continues to grow rapidly, with employment projected to increase 20-22% over the next decade. This demand, coupled with regional variations and industry employment opportunities, suggests that salaries will incrementally rise. High-demand areas and private practices could see salaries exceeding $100,000 for experienced and certified professionals.

Overall, the career outlook remains positive, especially for those with advanced degrees, certifications, and regional or industry-specific expertise. Proper negotiation skills and continuous professional development further enhance earning potential, making this a promising field for aspiring behavior analysts.

Summary and Key Takeaways

Regional variation overview

BCaBA salaries across the United States display notable regional differences. While the national average salary is approximately $70,884 per year, specific states and cities offer substantially higher or lower earnings.

In general, high-demand regions and those with higher costs of living tend to offer elevated salaries. For example, Massachusetts tops the list with an average BCaBA salary of about $95,048 annually. Hawaii also offers lucrative compensation, averaging around $94,601 per year. California's major cities, like San Francisco, pay approximately $93,846, reflecting high demand and living costs.

Conversely, states like Arkansas and South Carolina have lower average salaries, sitting at about $47,153 and $39,667 respectively. The regional variation underscores the influence of local industry needs, cost of living, and demand for ABA services.

Highest and lowest paying regions

Among the markets, the highest paying states include New Jersey, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and Alaska. New Jersey leads with an average of close to $98,707 annually. Major cities such as Santa Cruz, California, offer even higher figures, reaching approximately $112,456.

The lowest pay is found in South Carolina and Arkansas, with averages below $40,000. These regions typically have fewer opportunities in specialized behavior analysis roles and lower demand, which impacts salary levels.

Factors impacting salaries

Several elements influence the earning potential of BCaBAs and BCBAs:

Geographic location: Salaries are higher in urban centers and regions with high demand, like California and Alaska.
Experience level: Salaries increase significantly with years of experience—those with over 20 years can earn over $80,000 to $120,000.
Certification status: BCBAs generally earn 30-50% more than BCaBAs, with advanced degrees and certifications boosting income.
Industry and employer type: Private practices, government roles, and healthcare organizations often pay more, especially in leadership positions.
Local demand and cost of living: High-demand areas tend to offer higher salaries, balancing higher living costs.

Additional insights

The job outlook for BCaBAs remains positive, with employment expected to grow by 20-22% over the next decade. As demand for ABA services continues to rise nationwide, especially in regions with high population growth and awareness, salaries are poised to increase further. Prospective professionals should consider these factors when planning their careers or negotiating salaries.

State/Region	Average BCaBA Salary	Notable Cities or Regions	Comments
Massachusetts	$95,048	Boston, Worcester	Highest overall average in the country
Hawaii	$94,601	Honolulu	High demand and living costs influence pay
California	$61,340	San Francisco	Major urban demand boosts salaries
Alaska	$99,394	Anchorage	High demand and remote opportunities
Arkansas	$47,153	Little Rock	Lower regional average
South Carolina	$39,667	Columbia	Lower demand, economic factors

Understanding regional differences can be instrumental for career decisions, allowing professionals to target high-paying markets or seek opportunities aligned with their experience and qualifications.

Navigating the Regional Salary Landscape for BCaBAs

As the demand for behavioral analysts grows nationwide, BCaBAs can expect increasing career opportunities and salary prospects, particularly in high-demand metropolitan areas. Recognizing regional disparities and factors influencing salaries can help professionals strategize their career path effectively. Whether seeking higher pay in urban centers or considering opportunities in emerging markets, understanding the regional salary landscape is key to maximizing Earning potential in this vital and expanding field.