How to Become a Behavior Analyst

Maura Deering, J.D.
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Updated October 4, 2024
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If you’re drawn to the in-demand mental healthcare field, consider becoming a behavior analyst. In addition to the benefits of helping clients and advancing treatment in the profession, behavior analyst employment opportunities are expected to increase. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a significantly faster-than-average job growth rate of 19% in the behavioral disorder occupation between 2023-2033.

These professionals help clients with behavioral or developmental issues. The need for behavior analysts continues to grow as the demand for professionals who understand mental health and behavioral patterns increases. Behavior analysts often work with their clients through direct contact or by gathering data to understand better therapy methods.

This guide can help you explore behavior analyst education requirements and understand the process of becoming a behavior analyst. This page also features job and salary outlooks and the best ways to find a job as a behavior analyst.

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What Is a Behavior Analyst?

Focused on teaching others how to collect data to create a therapeutic environment, behavior analysts write reports and implement plans to improve support programs. They teach support professionals, parents, and teachers different ways to implement behavior support plans, procedures, and skills.

Behavior analysts typically work normal business hours. However, sometimes they work overtime or remain on call in case of emergencies. These professionals need strong communication and organization skills. They should also excel at problem-solving and possess solid interpersonal skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Behavior Analysts

What’s the difference between a social worker and a behavior analyst?

Behavior analysts work specifically with individuals with behavioral or developmental issues while social workers focus on serving a wider variety of clients. Both behavior analysts and social workers focus on helping their clients maintain a high quality of life.

How much do behavior analysts make?

According to 2024 PayScale data, behavior analysts earn an average annual salary of $72,565. Entry-level professionals experience annual average salaries of $60,000 while those with more experience can average up to $77,000 a year.

What degree level do I need to become a behavior analyst?

Aspiring behavior analysts need a master’s degree in special education, psychology, or a related field. Depending on the state in which they practice, professionals might also need to meet licensing requirements.

Is a behavior analyst a good career?

This career path allows professionals to focus on helping clients with different developmental or behavioral issues. Depending on their experience level, behavior analysts can earn average annual wages between $60,000 and $77,000.

Behavior Analyst Job and Salary Outlook

The section below highlights career opportunities in the field. Behavior analyst jobs can differ in a variety of ways, including setting, specialization, and patient population.

How to Become a Behavior Analyst

1. Get an Education

Before launching a career as a certified behavior analyst, individuals must earn a master’s degree in psychology, applied behavior analysis, or education. Students must complete an approved university-supervised practicum or supervised work experience.

Supervised practicum experiences can vary in terms of the required amount of hours and the intensity of supervision. The minimum required hours for these requirements is typically 750 for intense supervision and 1,000 hours for a standard practicum.

Intense supervision requires two supervisors and around 10% of the hours supervised, while standard practicums require only one supervisor and about 7.5% of the hours supervised.

Although a master’s degree is the standard requirement to become a behavior analyst, certain jobs, such as technicians or applied behavior analyst assistants, allow professionals to hold a bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis.

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Behavior Analysis: Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in applied behavior analysis develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers as applied behavior assistants, cultivating a solid foundation in the field.
  • Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis: Master’s programs allow students to expand their postgraduate opportunities. At the master’s level, learners focus on understanding research-based theories. These programs prepare students to work as behavior analysts.

2. Earn a License

The requirements to become a board certified behavior analyst vary by state. Most states offer three options for professionals applying for certification. The first pathway requires earning a master’s degree from an accredited college or university, completing the necessary amount of supervised practical hours, and passing a licensing exam.

Certification candidates can also hold a full-time faculty teaching position as a behavior analyst instead of completing the supervised practical hours. Board certified behavior analysts can also hold a doctoral degree for at least 10 years, along with practical experience and a passing score on the licensing exam.

Since not all states require professionals to become board certified behavior analysts, graduates should review which states require licensure and which do not, reviewing any associated licensing requirements to ensure they meet the criteria.

Behavior Analyst Licensure by State

Licensure requirements vary by state. Most states require professionals to complete continuing education and renew licenses every two years. When transferring from one state to another, most states require individuals to submit the application, fee, and proof that the current license from another state is in good standing. Some states also require individuals to hold a current certification by a behavior analyst certifying entity, such as the Behavior Analyst Certification Board. Not all states require licensure in behavior analysis.

States That Require Licensure

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Connecticut
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

States With No Licensure Requirements

  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Idaho
  • Maine
  • New Hampshire
  • New Mexico
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • West Virginia

How Do I Find a Job as a Behavior Analyst?

Graduates who earn their behavior analyst degrees can consider joining a professional organization in the field. These organizations enable members to explore employment opportunities, professional development opportunities, network with other professionals, and expand their skills and knowledge.

Association for Behavior Analysis International

ABAI offers services to members including events to refine research skills, continued education, employment listings, job placement services, collaboration with affiliated chapters, and scholarly journals in the field.

Association of Professional Behavior Analysts

This association offers members free continuing education sources, monthly webinars, networking events, and a career center with nationwide job openings.

National Association of Social Workers

The world’s largest membership organization for professional social workers, NASW serves more than 120,000 members. The organization aims to improve the professional development and growth of members, while maintaining professional standards. Job listings include behavioral analyst positions.

School Social Work Association of America

Focusing on connecting, equipping, and empowering school social workers to provide evidence-informed services, SSWAA ensures every school has a social worker. SSWAA’s employment listings include behavioral analyst positions.

National Association of School Psychologists

Dedicated to promoting the school psychologist profession, NASP allows members to take advantage of a variety of resources, publications, professional development opportunities, and job listings that include behavioral analyst positions.

Resources for Behavior Analysts

  • Behavior Analyst Certification Board: A nonprofit corporation, BACB strives to meet the needs of professional behavior analysts. The group provides information on credentials, exams, and requirements needed to meet examination content for certifications.
  • Association for Science in Autism Treatment: ASAT strives to ensure effective, research-based treatments for patients with autism by maintaining the most current research surrounding autism treatment.
  • Four Corners Association for Behavior Analysis: This professional organization is affiliated with the Association for Behavior Analysis International and promotes applied and theoretical research methods to maintain the highest quality of practice in behavior analysts.