Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) play a crucial role in providing applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy to individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
If you’re considering a career as an RBT or looking to understand compensation in this growing field, this guide explores everything you need to know about RBT salaries across the United States.
How Much Do RBTs Make
RBTs earn an average salary of $43,750 per year or approximately $21.03 per hour in the United States. Entry-level RBTs typically start around $40,200 annually, while experienced senior RBTs can earn up to $52,300 per year. Salaries vary significantly based on geographic location, years of experience, education level, and employer type.
| Position Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level RBT | $40,200 | $19.33 |
| Standard RBT | $43,750 | $21.03 |
| Senior RBT | $47,500 | $22.84 |
| Lead RBT | $52,300 | $25.14 |
Factors Affecting RBT Salaries
Several key factors influence how much an RBT can earn:
1. Geographic Location
Location is perhaps the most significant factor affecting RBT salaries. States with higher costs of living and greater demand for ABA services typically offer higher compensation.
Highest-Paying States for RBTs
| State | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| California | $52,680 | $25.33 |
| New York | $51,450 | $24.74 |
| Massachusetts | $50,830 | $24.44 |
| Washington | $49,950 | $24.01 |
| New Jersey | $48,760 | $23.44 |
Lowest-Paying States for RBTs
| State | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $32,410 | $15.58 |
| Alabama | $33,250 | $15.99 |
| Arkansas | $33,680 | $16.19 |
| Louisiana | $34,320 | $16.50 |
| West Virginia | $34,890 | $16.77 |
2. Experience Level
Experience significantly impacts an RBT’s earning potential. The salary progression typically follows this pattern:
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range | Hourly Rate Range |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (0-1 years) | $32,000 – $38,000 | $15.38 – $18.27 |
| Early career (1-3 years) | $38,000 – $44,000 | $18.27 – $21.15 |
| Mid-career (3-5 years) | $44,000 – $50,000 | $21.15 – $24.04 |
| Experienced (5+ years) | $50,000 – $60,000 | $24.04 – $28.85 |
3. Education and Credentials
While the RBT certification requires only a high school diploma or equivalent, additional education and certifications can boost earning potential:
- RBTs with associate degrees may earn 5-10% more than those with only high school education
- RBTs with bachelor’s degrees in psychology, education, or related fields can earn 10-15% more
- Additional certifications beyond the RBT (such as pursuing BCaBA) can increase salaries by 15-20%
4. Employer Type
The type of organization employing an RBT also impacts compensation:
| Employer Type | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Private ABA Clinics | $43,500 – $48,000 | $20.91 – $23.08 |
| Schools | $38,000 – $43,000 | $18.27 – $20.67 |
| Home-based Services | $41,000 – $46,000 | $19.71 – $22.12 |
| Hospitals/Medical Centers | $45,000 – $52,000 | $21.63 – $25.00 |
| Residential Facilities | $40,000 – $45,000 | $19.23 – $21.63 |
RBT Salary by Metropolitan Area
Urban areas typically offer higher RBT salaries than rural regions. Below are the top-paying metropolitan areas for RBTs:
| Metropolitan Area | Average Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $59,840 | $28.77 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA | $56,320 | $27.08 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $55,760 | $26.81 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $55,280 | $26.58 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $54,410 | $26.16 |
Benefits and Compensation Beyond Base Salary
When evaluating RBT compensation, consider the complete benefits package, which may include:
Common Benefits for Full-Time RBTs
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Paid time off (PTO) and sick leave
- Retirement plans (401k, sometimes with employer matching)
- Professional development stipends
- Tuition reimbursement (especially for pursuing higher ABA credentials)
- Mileage reimbursement (for traveling between client locations)
- Flexible scheduling options
Additional Compensation Opportunities
Many employers offer ways for RBTs to increase their earnings:
- Overtime pay: Often available at 1.5x regular hourly rate
- Weekend/evening differential: Additional $1-3 per hour for working outside standard hours
- Performance bonuses: Typically $500-$2,000 annually based on client outcomes or retention
- Retention bonuses: $500-$1,500 for staying with the employer for predetermined periods
- Referral bonuses: $250-$1,000 for referring new RBTs who are hired
Career Advancement and Salary Growth
For those looking to increase their earnings in the ABA field, several advancement pathways exist:
Career Progression Options
- Lead RBT/Senior RBT: $45,000-$55,000 annually
- RBT Trainer: $48,000-$58,000 annually
- BCaBA (Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst): $55,000-$70,000 annually
- BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst): $75,000-$95,000 annually
- BCBA-D (Doctoral level): $90,000-$120,000+ annually
How to Maximize Your Earning Potential as an RBT
If you’re looking to increase your salary as an RBT, consider these strategies:
Immediate Strategies
Pursue additional certifications: Special needs certifications, crisis intervention training
Gain experience with complex cases: Working with severe behaviors or multiple diagnoses
Develop specializations: Focus on feeding therapy, early intervention, or verbal behavior
Request performance reviews: Use documented success with clients to negotiate raises
Long-term Strategies
Pursue higher education: Working toward a bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, ABA, or special education
Prepare for BCaBA or BCBA certification: These credentials significantly increase earning potential
Consider relocation: Moving to high-demand areas can substantially increase your salary
Transfer to higher-paying settings: Hospitals and private clinics often pay more than schools
Job Outlook for RBTs
The demand for RBTs continues to grow, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 22% growth rate for behavioral health technicians through 2030. This positive job outlook should contribute to competitive salaries and increased benefits in the coming years.
Conclusion
Registered Behavior Technicians can expect to earn between $40,000 and $45,000 annually on a national average, with significant variations based on location, experience, education, and employer type. While entry-level positions typically start around $32,000-$38,000, experienced RBTs in high-paying markets can earn upwards of $60,000 annually.
For those considering this career path, it’s important to look beyond the base salary and consider the full compensation package, including benefits, advancement opportunities, and work-life balance. With strong projected job growth and multiple advancement pathways, the RBT role offers both stability and potential for career development in the expanding field of applied behavior analysis.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance as an RBT, understanding the salary landscape can help you make informed decisions about your professional future in this rewarding field.