Also called: Behavior analyst, ABA therapist (supervisor)
Designs behavior plans to help children with autism and other needs learn skills and reduce challenging behaviors.
BCBAs observe students, collect data, design step-by-step plans, train therapists and teachers, and meet with parents. Many work in clinics and homes; some are district behavior specialists.
Estimate; BCBA salary surveys typically show $65k-$90k.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Master's in applied behavior analysis or related field, supervised fieldwork, and BCBA exam.
Ways in: Graduate school, Certification. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education.
Growing much faster than average. Rapid growth driven by autism diagnosis rates and insurance coverage.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI tools speed data analysis and draft behavior plans, so one BCBA may oversee more cases; observation and parent training stay human.
Classes: AP Psychology, AP Statistics, Child development CTE class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 21-1018.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.