RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) typically earn between $15-25 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from $31,000-52,000. Pay varies by location, experience, and employer type, with clinical settings often paying more than schools.
Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) play a vital role in helping children and adults with autism and other developmental disorders. If you’re thinking about this career path, you probably want to know how much money you can make.
This guide will break down RBT salaries across different states, work settings, and experience levels. We’ll also look at what affects your pay and how to earn more money in this field.
What Is an RBT?
An RBT works directly with clients who need behavior therapy. They follow treatment plans made by Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs).
RBTs help clients learn new skills and reduce problem behaviors. They work in many places like clinics, schools, and clients’ homes.
To become an RBT, you need to complete 40 hours of training and pass a test. You also need ongoing supervision from a BCBA.
Average RBT Salary Nationwide
The typical RBT makes between $15 and $25 per hour. This equals about $31,000 to $52,000 per year if you work full-time.
Most RBTs start at the lower end of this range. With experience and extra skills, you can earn more money over time. If you’re just starting your journey, learn more about how to become a Registered Behavior Technician and what the process involves.
Here’s how RBT pay breaks down:
| Experience Level | Hourly Pay | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-1 years) | $15-18 | $31,000-37,000 |
| Mid-Level (2-4 years) | $18-22 | $37,000-46,000 |
| Experienced (5+ years) | $22-25+ | $46,000-52,000+ |
RBT Salaries by State
Where you work makes a big difference in how much you earn. States with higher costs of living usually pay RBTs more money.
Here’s a complete breakdown of RBT hourly wages and annual salaries for all 50 states:
| State | Hourly Range | Annual Salary Range | Average Hourly | Pay Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $13-18 | $27,000-37,000 | $15.50 | Lower |
| Alaska | $17-24 | $35,000-50,000 | $20.50 | Highest |
| Arizona | $14-20 | $29,000-42,000 | $17.00 | Medium |
| Arkansas | $13-17 | $27,000-35,000 | $15.00 | Lower |
| California | $18-28 | $37,000-58,000 | $23.00 | Highest |
| Colorado | $16-23 | $33,000-48,000 | $19.50 | High |
| Connecticut | $16-24 | $33,000-50,000 | $20.00 | Highest |
| Delaware | $15-21 | $31,000-44,000 | $18.00 | Medium |
| Florida | $14-20 | $29,000-42,000 | $17.00 | Medium |
| Georgia | $14-19 | $29,000-40,000 | $16.50 | Medium |
| Hawaii | $17-25 | $35,000-52,000 | $21.00 | Highest |
| Idaho | $13-18 | $27,000-37,000 | $15.50 | Lower |
| Illinois | $15-21 | $31,000-44,000 | $18.00 | Medium |
| Indiana | $14-19 | $29,000-40,000 | $16.50 | Medium |
| Iowa | $14-18 | $29,000-37,000 | $16.00 | Medium |
| Kansas | $13-18 | $27,000-37,000 | $15.50 | Lower |
| Kentucky | $13-18 | $27,000-37,000 | $15.50 | Lower |
| Louisiana | $13-18 | $27,000-37,000 | $15.50 | Lower |
| Maine | $15-20 | $31,000-42,000 | $17.50 | Medium |
| Maryland | $16-23 | $33,000-48,000 | $19.50 | High |
| Massachusetts | $17-25 | $35,000-52,000 | $21.00 | Highest |
| Michigan | $14-20 | $29,000-42,000 | $17.00 | Medium |
| Minnesota | $15-22 | $31,000-46,000 | $18.50 | Medium |
| Mississippi | $12-17 | $25,000-35,000 | $14.50 | Lower |
| Missouri | $14-19 | $29,000-40,000 | $16.50 | Medium |
| Montana | $14-19 | $29,000-40,000 | $16.50 | Medium |
| Nebraska | $14-18 | $29,000-37,000 | $16.00 | Medium |
| Nevada | $15-21 | $31,000-44,000 | $18.00 | Medium |
| New Hampshire | $15-21 | $31,000-44,000 | $18.00 | Medium |
| New Jersey | $16-23 | $33,000-48,000 | $19.50 | High |
| New Mexico | $13-18 | $27,000-37,000 | $15.50 | Lower |
| New York | $17-26 | $35,000-54,000 | $21.50 | Highest |
| North Carolina | $14-19 | $29,000-40,000 | $16.50 | Medium |
| North Dakota | $14-19 | $29,000-40,000 | $16.50 | Medium |
| Ohio | $14-19 | $29,000-40,000 | $16.50 | Medium |
| Oklahoma | $13-18 | $27,000-37,000 | $15.50 | Lower |
| Oregon | $16-22 | $33,000-46,000 | $19.00 | High |
| Pennsylvania | $14-20 | $29,000-42,000 | $17.00 | Medium |
| Rhode Island | $16-22 | $33,000-46,000 | $19.00 | High |
| South Carolina | $13-18 | $27,000-37,000 | $15.50 | Lower |
| South Dakota | $13-17 | $27,000-35,000 | $15.00 | Lower |
| Tennessee | $13-18 | $27,000-37,000 | $15.50 | Lower |
| Texas | $15-21 | $31,000-44,000 | $18.00 | Medium |
| Utah | $14-20 | $29,000-42,000 | $17.00 | Medium |
| Vermont | $15-20 | $31,000-42,000 | $17.50 | Medium |
| Virginia | $15-21 | $31,000-44,000 | $18.00 | Medium |
| Washington | $17-24 | $35,000-50,000 | $20.50 | Highest |
| West Virginia | $12-16 | $25,000-33,000 | $14.00 | Lower |
| Wisconsin | $14-19 | $29,000-40,000 | $16.50 | Medium |
| Wyoming | $14-18 | $29,000-37,000 | $16.00 | Medium |
Pay Category Breakdown
Understanding the pay categories can help you choose the best location for your RBT career:
Highest ($20+ average): California, New York, Massachusetts, Hawaii, Alaska, Washington, Connecticut
High ($19-19.99 average): Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island
Medium ($16-18.99 average): Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Lower (Under $16 average): Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia
Top 10 Highest Paying States
The states with the best RBT compensation are:
- California – $23.00 average hourly
- New York – $21.50 average hourly
- Massachusetts – $21.00 average hourly
- Hawaii – $21.00 average hourly
- Alaska – $20.50 average hourly
- Washington – $20.50 average hourly
- Connecticut – $20.00 average hourly
- Maryland – $19.50 average hourly
- New Jersey – $19.50 average hourly
- Colorado – $19.50 average hourly
Salary by Work Setting
Where you work affects your pay just as much as where you live. Different settings have different budgets and pay scales.
Private Clinics and ABA Companies
Most RBTs work for private autism therapy companies. These jobs often pay the most because these companies focus only on behavior therapy.
Average pay: $16-24 per hour
Pros: Higher pay, specialized training, career growth opportunities Cons: May require travel between clients, irregular schedules
Public Schools
School districts hire RBTs to work with students during school hours. The pay might be lower, but you get better benefits.
Average pay: $14-20 per hour
Pros: Steady schedule, good benefits, summers off, pension plans Cons: Lower hourly pay, limited to school calendar
In-Home Services
Some RBTs provide therapy in clients’ homes. This setting can pay well but requires travel time.
Average pay: $15-23 per hour
Pros: One-on-one attention, flexible scheduling Cons: Travel time between clients, no guaranteed hours
Residential Facilities
RBTs in group homes or residential centers work with clients who need round-the-clock care.
Average pay: $14-21 per hour
Pros: Steady hours, team support Cons: Can be physically and emotionally demanding
Factors That Affect RBT Pay
Several things determine how much money you can make as an RBT. Understanding these factors helps you plan your career path.
Experience Level
New RBTs usually start at lower pay rates. As you gain experience working with different clients, your value increases.
Most employers give small raises each year. After two to three years, you might qualify for senior RBT positions that pay more.
Education Background
While you don’t need a college degree to become an RBT, having one can help you earn more money.
RBTs with degrees in psychology, education, or related fields often get hired faster and at higher starting wages.
Additional Certifications
Getting extra training and certifications can boost your pay. Some valuable certifications include:
- CPR and First Aid certification
- Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training
- Autism-specific training programs
- Data collection and analysis courses
Before pursuing additional certifications, make sure you understand the cost of RBT certification and budget accordingly.
Employer Size and Type
Larger companies often have more money to pay higher wages and offer better benefits. Non-profit organizations might pay less but offer other perks like flexible scheduling.
Caseload and Client Complexity
RBTs who work with clients who have more challenging behaviors might earn higher pay. This work requires more skill and experience.
Having a full caseload of clients also means more billable hours and higher total earnings.
Benefits and Perks
RBT jobs often come with benefits beyond your hourly wage. These extras add value to your total compensation package.
Common Benefits
Most full-time RBT positions include:
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Paid time off and sick leave
- Professional development opportunities
- Supervision toward BCBA certification
- Flexible scheduling options
Less Common Perks
Some employers offer additional benefits:
- Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
- Company car or mileage reimbursement
- Bonus pay for client progress milestones
- Conference and training stipends
- Employee assistance programs
How to Increase Your RBT Salary
If you want to earn more money as an RBT, you have several options. Here are the best ways to boost your income.
Gain More Experience
The easiest way to earn more is to stick with the job and gain experience. Most employers give annual raises to good employees.
Keep detailed records of your successes with clients. This information helps when asking for raises.
Get Additional Training
Take every training opportunity your employer offers. The more skills you have, the more valuable you become.
Look for workshops on autism, behavior management, and data collection. Many are available online and don’t cost much money.
Work in High-Demand Areas
Consider moving to states or cities that pay RBTs more money. Research the cost of living to make sure the higher pay is worth it.
Urban areas usually pay more than rural areas, but housing and other costs might be higher too.
Pursue Advanced Degrees
Many RBTs go back to school to become BCBAs. This career path can double or triple your salary.
A master’s degree in behavior analysis or psychology opens doors to higher-paying positions.
Work for Multiple Employers
Some RBTs work part-time for several companies. This approach can increase your total income and give you more experience.
Just make sure you can handle the scheduling and don’t burn yourself out. Consider the pros and cons of full-time RBT vs part-time RBT work before making this decision.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Being an RBT doesn’t have to be your final career goal. This job can lead to many other opportunities in the field.
Becoming a BCBA
Many RBTs work toward becoming Board Certified Behavior Analysts. BCBAs make much more money – often $65,000 to $100,000+ per year.
You need a master’s degree and supervised experience to become a BCBA. Many employers help pay for this education. Understanding the differences between RBT vs BCBA can help you plan your career path.
Supervisory Roles
Experienced RBTs can become team leaders or supervisors. These positions pay more and involve training new RBTs.
Specialized Positions
Some RBTs move into specialized roles like:
- Training coordinator
- Data analyst
- Program developer
- Quality assurance specialist
Starting Your Own Practice
Experienced RBTs with business skills sometimes start their own therapy companies. This path has the highest earning potential but also the most risk.
Job Market Outlook
The demand for RBTs continues to grow. More families are seeking autism services, and insurance companies cover more treatments than before.
This growing demand means job security and opportunities for advancement. It also puts upward pressure on wages as companies compete for good employees.
The autism therapy field is expected to keep growing for many years. This makes RBT a stable career choice with good long-term prospects.
Tips for Negotiating Your RBT Salary
Don’t be afraid to negotiate your pay, especially after you gain experience. Here are some tips for successful salary discussions.
Research Market Rates
Know what other RBTs in your area make. Use this information to support your request for higher pay.
Document Your Value
Keep records of client progress and your contributions to the team. This evidence shows why you deserve more money.
Time Your Request Right
Ask for raises during performance reviews or after completing additional training. Don’t ask during busy or stressful times.
Be Professional
Present your case calmly and professionally. Focus on your value to the company, not your personal financial needs.
Consider the Total Package
Sometimes employers can’t increase your hourly wage but can offer other benefits like flexible schedules or professional development opportunities.
Final Thoughts
RBT work offers decent pay for a job that doesn’t require a college degree. While the starting wage might seem low, there are many opportunities to increase your earnings over time.
The most important factors affecting your pay are location, experience, and the type of employer you work for. Private companies usually pay more than schools, and urban areas typically offer higher wages than rural locations.
If you’re passionate about helping people with autism and developmental disabilities, being an RBT can provide both personal satisfaction and financial stability. The growing demand for these services means job security and opportunities for career advancement.
Remember that RBT work can also be a stepping stone to higher-paying careers in behavior analysis. Many successful BCBAs started as RBTs and worked their way up through education and experience.
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