Introduction
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) represent the pinnacle of professional practice in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). As highly trained and certified professionals, they are responsible for conducting behavioral assessments, designing and supervising treatment programs, and training staff and caregivers. The demand for qualified BCBAs has surged in recent years, driven by a growing recognition of the effectiveness of ABA for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities. This increasing demand, coupled with a limited supply of certified professionals, has created a dynamic and often competitive job market. For both aspiring and practicing BCBAs, as well as for the organizations that employ them, a thorough understanding of the compensation landscape is essential. This report provides a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of BCBA salaries across the United States for 2025, examining national averages, state-by-state comparisons, regional trends, and the myriad factors that influence earning potential. By delving into these details, this report aims to equip ABA professionals and business leaders with the knowledge needed to navigate the financial aspects of their careers and organizations effectively, ultimately contributing to improved quality of and access to care.
The National Salary Landscape: A Multifaceted View
The national average salary for a BCBA in the United States presents a complex picture, with figures varying depending on the data source and the methodology used for calculation. Generally, the average annual salary falls within a range of $75,000 to $90,000.
For instance, ZipRecruiter, a prominent online job board, reports a national average of $89,075 per year, with a median salary of $81,600.
In contrast, other sources like The Treetop and Discovery ABA cite a slightly lower average of $75,784 per year.
These discrepancies can be attributed to differences in the datasets analyzed, such as the inclusion of part-time or entry-level positions, and the geographic distribution of the job postings included in the analysis.
The salary range for BCBAs is notably broad, reflecting the diversity of roles and experience levels within the profession. Entry-level positions for newly certified BCBAs typically start around $51,000 per year.
At the other end of the spectrum, highly experienced BCBAs in supervisory roles or those with specialized expertise in high-demand areas can command salaries of up to $151,000 or more.
The distribution of salaries across the country reveals a significant concentration in the mid-range. Over 75% of BCBA jobs fall within the $66,500 to $95,000 range, indicating a stable and substantial middle class within the profession. The 25th percentile for BCBA salaries is approximately $73,900, meaning that 75% of BCBAs earn more than this amount. The 75th percentile is $91,600, indicating that 25% of BCBAs have earnings that exceed this level.
Figure 1: Distribution of BCBA salaries across the United States for 2025, based on data from ZipRecruiter. The chart highlights the salary ranges and the percentage of jobs within each bracket, illustrating the concentration of salaries in the mid-to-upper range. 1
State-by-State Salary Analysis: A Tale of Two Coasts (and a Middle)
Geographic location remains one of the most significant determinants of a BCBA's salary. The disparity in compensation between the highest and lowest paying states is substantial, often reflecting a complex interplay of factors including cost of living, demand for services, state-level insurance mandates, and the maturity of the ABA market in that state.
Figure 2: Comparison of the top 15 highest and bottom 5 lowest paying states for BCBAs in 2025. The national average is included for reference, highlighting the significant variation in earning potential across the country. 1
The highest salaries for BCBAs are typically found on the West and East Coasts, in states known for their high cost of living and well-established healthcare and education sectors. Washington leads the nation with an average annual salary of $100,886, closely followed by the District of Columbia at $100,657.
Other top-paying states include New York, Massachusetts, and Alaska, all of which offer average salaries well above the national average.
In contrast, the lowest-paying states are predominantly located in the South and Midwest. Florida has the lowest average salary at $66,565, followed by West Virginia and Arkansas.
References
[1] ZipRecruiter. (2025). What Is the Average BCBA Salary by State.
[2] Indeed. (2025). Board certified behavior analyst salary in United States.
[3] The Treetop. (2025). Average Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Salary By State.
[4] research.com. (2025). 2026 BCBA and ABA Salary by State.