What Is the Job Outlook for Behavior Analysts? Career Growth and Demand

A common concern prior to pursuing further education is how you may fare in the job market upon graduating. After all, a college degree is an investment of both time and money, so you want to ensure that your investment will be worthwhile. If you’re considering a degree in applied behavior analysis or a related discipline, you may be wondering: can I get a job as a behavior analyst? 

With the number of job openings in the applied behavior analysis field at an all-time high, the job outlook for this degree is incredibly favorable! Let’s take an in-depth look at what current and prospective behavior analysts can expect in terms of career growth and demand.

Key Takeaways

• Job outlook is particularly favorable for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBA) due to various factors.
• Aside from becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, a vast number of opportunities exist for behavior analysts in schools, clinical settings, academia, and organizational business management.
• While some graduate-level programs are geared toward applied behavior analysis, others are more focused on gaining expertise and preparing for research.

What Does a Behavior Analyst Do?

Behavior analysis itself is the science of behavior and is used to help individuals improve themselves by understanding and changing their behavior. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is, therefore, at the core of what behavior analysts do. The principles of ABA lead its practitioners to:

• Identify what behaviors cause an individual to struggle
• Utilize positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors
• Present alternatives to existing negative or harmful behaviors

Upon completion of a master’s degree in behavior analysis, the next step for many graduates will be to pursue their Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. This credential allows its holders to work independently in the behavior analysis field and can greatly increase earning potential.

Though ABA is most associated with how it’s used to treat those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it’s gained widespread use in a variety of settings. Behavior analysts may find employment in therapeutic settings, health care centers, schools, and even in businesses. Reported data from BCBA certificants provided insight into what areas of professional emphasis are most common amongst BCBAs. 82% of BCBAs specialized in ASD, with the next highest percentages specializing in clinical behavior analysis and ABA in education.

Current Job Outlook for Behavior Analysts

From 2023 to 2024, there’s been an increase of 58% in jobs seeking individuals with a BCBA or related credential—that’s a lot of new jobs! 

As previously mentioned, becoming a BCBA opens the door to many potential career paths in applied behavior analysis. You might consider pursuing a career as any of the following:

• School District Behavior Specialist: These ABA professionals may work one-on-one with students as well as with school staff to problem-solve and improve behavior management in the classroom. Along with earning their BCBA certification, these roles typically require a teaching credential in special education as well as experience working with students who have disabilities.
• Clinical Supervisor: As a clinical supervisor, you’ll supervise the training of BCBAs, Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs), and other trainees within a clinical setting. Clinical supervisors lead the way when it comes to assessments, reviewing goals and treatment plans, and offering feedback throughout supervision.
• Counselor: While counselors often work in K-12 schools, these professionals can also be found in colleges, hospitals, and clinics. The primary focus of their work is offering guidance to patients based on an understanding of their behavior, struggles, and goals.
• University Professor: Many colleges and universities offer coursework on the principles and application of applied behavior analysis. This can be an excellent role for someone with a passion for ABA, teaching, and conducting their own research in the field.

What’s Driving the Demand for Behavior Analysts?

Several factors drive a rise in demand for behavior analysts, and many of them stem from the significant portion of behavior analysts who work with individuals with ASD. However, other contributing factors speak to the versatility of behavior analysts and their ability to work across different industries.

Rising Autism Diagnoses and Early Intervention Programs

The CDC continually reports an increase in autism diagnoses every year. In many ways, this increase is more so evidence of clinicians becoming better equipped at diagnosing autism—particularly in children who don’t have high or “obvious” support needs. With people being diagnosed with ASD at a higher rate, ABA practitioners and their skills become more in-demand.

Studies also show that early intervention may be helpful in the development of those with ASD. Because of the rise in autism diagnoses and advocacy for early intervention programs, behavior analysts are more necessary than ever to provide support, whether that is in one-on-one counseling or an educational setting.

Expanded Insurance Coverage

At the beginning of the twenty-first century, U.S. states began expanding insurance policies to cover ABA therapy for individuals with ASD. As time goes on, more states adopt these mandates as well, which makes working with a behavior analyst more accessible and affordable than ever before.

While these policies do vary by insurance company and by state (for example, some states may only cover ABA therapy for minors and not adults), the overall expansion of this coverage means that more people are seeking out ABA therapy or related services. More access means an increase in demand for experienced behavior analysts.

ABA in Schools and Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)

Although various shifts in ASD support drive the demand for behavior analysts, those are far from the only factors. ABA services are also becoming increasingly in-demand within the realm of education, with many K-12 schools seeking ABA professionals to provide services such as:

• Individualized support to students
• Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs) to determine and address behavioral problems within the classroom
• Development of intervention plans or Individual Education Programs (IEPs) in collaboration with school staff

Additionally, behavior analysts are in demand due to how sought-after their skills are in the business and human resources sectors. Organizational business management (OBM), a subfield of ABA, is the science of behavior analysis in the workplace. Behavior analysts can transform an organization through their understanding of human behavior, creating a high demand for their skillset.

Where Are Behavior Analysts in Highest Demand?

While behavior analysis as a field is experiencing growth across the board, the number of job postings varies by state and region. According to the BACB’s US Employment Demand for Behavior Analysts (2010-2024), demand for Board Certified Behavior Analysts is currently the highest in the following five states:

• California
• Massachusetts
• Texas
• New Jersey
• Florida

While these states showed the highest number of job postings for 2024, demand for BCBAs has been steadily increasing across the board in other states as well. Additionally, job postings seeking assistant behavior analysts have also steadily climbed in the past 15 years; from 2023 to 2024, demand went up by a staggering 131%.

In-Demand Specialties

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t currently report on employment growth for behavior analysts, graduates of an ABA program can glean helpful job information from their data on careers in mental health services. Behavior analysts are prepared for a wide variety of careers, particularly in the mental health field.

Currently, the most in-demand specialization is substance abuse disorders, where behavioral treatment has shown great promise. This specialization is supposed to grow 18% by 2032, which is much faster than average rates. Nevertheless, this data displays that employment demand is higher than average across the board, regardless of specialization.

Behavior Analyst Salary Trends

According to the Economic Research Institute (ERI), the average salary for a behavior analyst in the United States is $78,853. Salaries will vary based on additional factors like education, certifications or credentials, experience level, and location.

Fortunately, ERI also projects a 12% increase in salaries over the next five years, bringing the average salary up to $88,573 in 2030. Taking into account demand, behavior analysts based in states where the rate of job growth is particularly high, such as California or Massachusetts, may also see higher earnings than average.

Future Career Opportunities for Behavior Analysts

While there are already numerous career options available to behavior analysts, we continue to see a growing need for ABA practitioners in every industry. Some less traditional opportunities for behavior analysts include roles in fitness and wellness, occupational safety, or even FBI profiling.

The ability to understand people and their behavior is invaluable in any job and in any setting. As more and more organizations recognize all that a behavior analyst brings to the table, their future career opportunities have become endless!

How Can UC Help Your Behavior Analyst Career?

You’ve just gotten an in-depth look at how positive job outlook is for behavior analysts. Now what? Do you think a career in ABA is right for you? If so, we at the University of Cincinnati want to help you take the first step toward your future.

UC offers two online graduate-level programs in behavior analysis. While the Master of Education program prepares individuals to apply behavior analysis in a variety of settings, the Master of Science program is designed for those who would like a more hands-on academic experience and achieve advanced expertise in behavior analysis. Both programs will leave you well-equipped to earn your BCBA certification and enter the job market.

Contact Us Today to Start Your Educational Journey

At UC, we provide high-quality education in behavior analysis through our convenient online programs. It’s now easier than ever before to earn your master’s degree at your own pace while still balancing work, family, and life. To see what we mean, read about the invaluable support an online behavior analysis student received from UC’s online staff—from enrollment to graduation day. And if you’re ready to make a difference in the lives of patients, students, and organizations, apply to one of our behavior analysis degrees today!

Still have more questions? Not sure which degree program is right for you? Contact an Enrollment Services Advisor today for more information. A career filled with growth, opportunity, and fulfillment awaits you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a demand for behavior analysts?

Yes, an annual study published by the BACB shows high demand for behavior analysts. From 2010 to 2018 alone, the number of jobs for BCBAs jumped from under 1,000 to just below 30,000; as of 2024, that number jumped to 103,150 job postings nationwide.

Is behavior analysis a good career?

Short answer: Yes! Long answer: If you have a passion for understanding human behavior, problem solving, and helping others reach their full potential, then yes, a career in behavior analysis is an excellent fit for you.

What degree is best for behavior analyst?

Which degree is best will depend on your specific career goals and interests. A MEd degree may be more suitable for those hoping to apply their degree in many settings, whereas a MS degree offers the advanced knowledge required for a career in academia or research.