How Much Do BCBAs Make Per Hour? A State-by-State Guide
Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) provide crucial therapeutic services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other behavioral challenges. With the growing demand for ABA therapy nationwide, more people are asking: how much do BCBAs make an hour?
The answer depends on a variety of factors — including the state you live in, whether you work in a school or private practice, and even whether you’re employed full-time or as an independent contractor. This guide breaks down national averages, state-by-state data, and the reasons hourly pay varies so widely.
National Average Hourly Pay for BCBAs
Nationally, BCBAs earn between $33 and $43 per hour depending on the source:
- ZipRecruiter (2025): $42.82/hour (based on $89,075/year).
- Indeed (2025): $38.53/hour ($80,144/year).
- Cross River Therapy (2025): Around $36/hour.
- Salary.com (July 2025): $33/hour ($69,255/year).
- Supportive Care ABA (June 2025): $35.39/hour ($75,784/year).
Most reports suggest the typical U.S. BCBA makes $36–$38 an hour, but more senior professionals or those in high-demand areas can make much more.
Independent Contractors & Freelancers
While employed BCBAs earn stable salaries, independent contractors often set their own rates.
- Growing Minds ABA Therapy reports hourly freelance rates of $35 to $75.
- PayScale (2025) shows a U.S. average of $48.58/hour for BCBA survey respondents.
- Highly experienced contractors in metropolitan areas sometimes exceed $70/hour.
The trade-off? Contractors often don’t receive employer-sponsored benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions.
Glassdoor’s Higher Range Estimate
According to Glassdoor (2025), BCBAs average $58/hour, with a common range between $44 and $76/hour. This estimate tends to skew higher because it often reflects professionals in supervisory, clinical director, or specialized leadership roles rather than entry-level BCBAs.
State-by-State BCBA Hourly Pay
Now, let’s look at how much BCBAs make an hour in different states. Using data from the Autism Center of Excellence and Supportive Care ABA, here’s a breakdown of hourly averages:
| State | Hourly Avg (AutismCOE) | Hourly Avg (SupportiveCare) |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | ~$47.46/hr | ~$39.99/hr |
| Wisconsin | ~$46.34/hr | ~$35.77/hr |
| Alaska | ~$45.20/hr | ~$35.93/hr |
| Massachusetts | ~$45.14/hr | ~$37.79/hr |
| Oregon | ~$44.99/hr | ~$35.80/hr |
| Washington | ~$44.99/hr | ~$36.37/hr |
| New Mexico | ~$44.57/hr | ~$34.15/hr |
| Minnesota | ~$44.01/hr | ~$37.25/hr |
| Hawaii | ~$43.98/hr | ~$37.60/hr |
| Ohio | ~$43.00/hr | ~$35.27/hr |
| California | ~$38.95/hr | ~$33.35/hr |
| Arizona | ~$36.07/hr | ~$31.86/hr |
| Georgia | ~$32.69/hr | ~$25.48/hr |
| Florida | ~$28.93/hr | ~$27.33/hr |
| West Virginia | ~$30.06/hr | ~$28.00/hr (approx.) |
Highest-Paying States
According to multiple salary trackers, some of the best states for BCBAs include:
- New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Washington – Hourly rates in the mid-$40s to high-$40s.
- Tennessee and Minnesota – Competitive averages above $43/hr.
- Alaska and Hawaii – Strong demand combined with cost of living drives rates above $40/hr.
These states often pay more because they either have higher demand for ABA services, higher costs of living, or shortages of credentialed professionals.
Lower-Paying States
On the other end of the spectrum, states like Florida, Georgia, and West Virginia report hourly averages closer to $25–$30. These differences are typically due to lower costs of living, reduced state funding for ABA services, or higher supply of professionals relative to demand.
Factors That Influence BCBA Hourly Pay
There are several reasons how much BCBAs make an hour differs across the country:
- Cost of Living
States with higher living expenses (California, New York, Massachusetts) tend to offer higher pay to stay competitive. - Demand for Services
Areas with shortages of BCBAs often increase salaries to attract professionals. - Experience Level
A new BCBA just starting out may earn closer to $30/hr, while senior clinicians or directors can earn well over $60/hr. - Work Setting
- Schools: Often lower hourly pay but steady work.
- Private Clinics: Usually higher pay and more flexible schedules.
- Contractors: Highest hourly rates but less job security.
- Specialization
BCBAs specializing in complex populations (e.g., severe autism, dual diagnoses) or supervisory roles tend to command higher wages.
Regional Highlights
- Northeast: New Jersey and Massachusetts lead with averages above $45/hr.
- Midwest: Wisconsin and Minnesota offer $44–$46/hr.
- West Coast: California hovers around $38–$39/hr, while Oregon and Washington exceed $44/hr.
- South: Georgia and Florida remain on the lower end, averaging $25–$32/hr.
Career Outlook for BCBAs
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for behavioral health professionals through 2030. With rising autism diagnoses and expanded insurance coverage for ABA services, the need for BCBAs continues to grow nationwide.
This growth suggests hourly wages may rise in the coming years, especially in underserved states where pay is currently lower.
Final Thoughts
So, how much do BCBAs make an hour?
- National average: $36–$38/hr.
- Top earners: $45–$76/hr depending on state and role.
- Independent contractors: Often $50–$75/hr.
- Lower-paying states: Around $25–$30/hr.
If you’re considering becoming a BCBA, your earning potential will depend heavily on where you practice and whether you work as an employee or contractor. Overall, BCBAs are well-compensated professionals in a field with high demand and meaningful impact.
