Drexel University School of Education
Applied behavior analysis requires graduates to combine analysis and practice into a coherent skill set. Combination of theory and practice, aMaster's Degree in Applied Behavior Analysiso oneABA certificateopens the door to various professional opportunities. And because you can enter so many different fields with an ABA degree, the earning potential is very diverse as well.
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Career Paths and Salaries
What can you do with an ABA degree? Careers in applied behavior analysis take a number of different paths. Below, you'll find opportunities at educational institutions, hospitals, private and nonprofit organizations, and inpatient treatment facilities.
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behavior analyst
If you are considering careers in the ABA field,behavior analystmay be in the foreground. These professionals use the skills learned to treat people with intellectual and/or behavioral disabilities and work with others to develop a plan to address behaviors that affect their daily lives.
A behavior analyst can find employment in a variety of institutions, including a counseling practice or in a school setting. In addition to the hard skills acquired through a formal study program, a behavior analyst requires a variety of soft skills, including patience and compassion when dealing with people living with intellectual and emotional disabilities. They must also be organized and methodical in developing a treatment plan and teaching family members, teachers, and others how to help their child or student succeed.
According to PayScale, a behavior analyst earns an average salary of $59,000. Those starting out with a new master's degree can expect to earn around $55,000 or more, while those with a more advanced degree can expect to earn $78,000.
behavior analyst consultant
In a consultant-level position, these types of behavior analysts require the same level of expertise as a full-time behavior analyst, but have the freedom and flexibility of a day job. This opens the door to new opportunities and allows them to develop different areas of expertise instead of just focusing on one area, for example. B. work with autistic children and adults, work with people with other developmental disabilities, care for people with mental disorders, and more.
As counselors, those with experience in behavior analysis may find work in a school setting, a clinical setting, or in private practice.
As a consultant can work at a daily hourly rate, there is no set annual salary they can expect, as you can be flexible about how much or how little you work based on the terms of a negotiated contract. Consultants can expect to pay between $34 and $55 per hour, depending on geography and skill level.
Clinical Director
A clinical director oversees a team of other physicians and behavior analysts and may work in a variety of settings. The role of a clinical director is to lead their teams in developing and overseeing programs for people with developmental disabilities and/or mental disorders. They help train and mentor their team in new ways to positively impact the lives of people with behavioral problems.
The average median salary for a clinical director specializing in behavior analysis is $76,000, but can range from $51,000 to $120,000 according to PayScale.
special education teachers
Different children have different educational needs.special education teacherWork with students who have a variety of disabilities, including sensory and physical disabilities. One of the most common ABA teaching professions, special education teachers work to adapt general education instruction to make it more accessible to students with non-traditional needs. Additional training and certification in special education is required.
According to PayScale, special education teachers earn an average salary of between $40,000 and $55,000, depending on location and years of experience.
Wellness Coach
A wellness coach is someone who helps clients identify their unique abilities, focus on their goals, and overcome obstacles to achieve their dreams. A wellness coach understands how to best influence behavior and can help a person make better choices that are best suited to their unique lifestyle.
The goal might be to find a better work-life balance, eat better, or even quit smoking. This makes wellness coaches one of the most versatile career options for applied behavior analysis. According to PayScale, a wellness coach earns an average salary of between $39,000 and $58,000, which largely depends on their years of experience.
community opportunities
People pursuing a career in applied behavior analysis are often interested in helping others. Among the many types of ABA careers, working in a non-profit setting is often the best option for someone who wants to make a difference.
Nonprofit organizations thrive on diverse skills from a wide range of different backgrounds. With an ABA degree, you could help set up a children's smoking cessation program, assist with nutritional interventions for at-risk populations, or work on various similar projects.
According to PayScale, a nonprofit program coordinator earns an average salary of between $38,000 and $46,000, while a nonprofit program manager earns between $44,000 and $55,000.
school psychologist
School psychologists may have a master's or doctoral degree to fulfill their duties. Certain states may also require additional certification. These professionals work within a single school or across an entire district to help students who may be struggling with a variety of mental, social, and/or emotional disorders that may affect their school work and lives.
They conduct psychological assessments of students, apply their knowledge of expected behavior to anticipate a student's response, and based on that knowledge, work with others to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for those students. In addition to working with students and their parents to provide individual services, school psychologists are also available to the general student body to provide bereavement support or emergency counseling in the event of a sudden major event in a student's life. Pursuing this career path requires additional training and certification outside of the ABA program.
According to Payscale, school psychologists earn a median salary of $61,000. Salary for this specific position can range from $43,000 to $90,000 depending on career level and/or geographic region.
Social worker
The skills of a social worker can impact a variety of lives within a given community. Social workers may work with children or adults dealing with specific circumstances ranging from illness, special needs, or major lifestyle changes, such as a diagnosis, job loss, loss of family, or even divorce.
Social workers meet with people to determine what resources these people need to overcome challenges, receive care, and improve their lives. They know the community resources that can help and work with each person to provide access to health care, government support and more to help them face their challenges.
In addition to a formal degree, training, and certification outside of a traditional ABA program, social workers need soft skills, such as organizational skills (keeping meticulous records and case files for each of their clients), as well as a thorough knowledge of resources. . (local, state and national) available based on their expert assessment of a client's situation.
A social worker earns an average salary of $46,000, though that salary can range from $32,000 to $66,000 depending on a number of factors including career stage, geographic location, and specialty.