If you’re the kind of person who celebrates small wins, like a kid saying their first full sentence or learning to tie their shoes: you might find your calling as an ABA therapist.

ABA stands for applied behavior analysis. ABA therapists use science-backed strategies to help people — especially autistic kids — build everyday life skills and thrive. It’s a job that asks for patience, empathy, and a love of structure. But if it clicks with you, it could be one of the most rewarding paths out there.

Ready to see if this fits you?

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ABA therapists work closely with autistic children (and sometimes adults), and clients with other developmental conditions. They use structured techniques to improve skills like communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and even basic things like brushing teeth or getting dressed.

Core techniques include:

• Reinforcement: encouraging desired behaviors through rewards.

• Prompting and fading: giving assistance, then slowly reducing it.

• Data collection: tracking every session to monitor progress.

• Behavior plans: creating structured goals based on client needs.

• Generalization: helping clients use new skills in different situations (e.g., not just during therapy, but at school or home).

ABA isn’t about “fixing” a person: it’s about helping them grow in ways that matter to them. ABA therapists help individuals become more independent and confident. Their work also reduces stress on families and supports inclusion in schools and communities. It’s deeply impactful — one small breakthrough can change a life.

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You can find jobs as an ABA therapist in:

• Private clinics (e.g., autism therapy centers)

• Public or special education schools

• In-home therapy programs

• Hospitals and mental health centers

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Entry-level jobs often require:

• A high school diploma + training, or a Bachelor’s degree (Psychology, Education, or related)

• RBT certification (Registered Behavior Technician), with supervision from a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst)

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Bonus: Want to advance in the field?

• Become a BCaBA (Bachelor’s-level analyst)

• Pursue a Master’s and become a BCBA

• Supervise and train others

• Open your own practice!

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Emma, an ABA therapist, is working with a 5-year-old client who gets frustrated every time they’re asked to put on their shoes.

Her supervising BCBA suggests introducing a reward system.

Which approach would be most in line with ABA principles?

A. Ignore the behavior and let the child calm down on their own.

B. Promise a reward after the child successfully puts on their shoes.

C. Put on the shoes for them to avoid a meltdown.

D. Tell them therapy will be canceled if they don’t cooperate.

USA (In USD) 🇺🇸

• RBT / Entry-level ABA Therapist:

  ~$30,000 to $45,000 annually

• Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA):

  ~$40,000 to $55,000 annually

•  Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA; Master’s-level):

  ~$79,856 annually

•  BCBA-D (Doctoral-Level):

  Typically higher than master’s-level BCBAs, though specific data varies

Canada (In CAD) 🇨🇦

• ABA Therapist (RBT level):

  ~$57,690 annually

• BCBA:

  ~$93,019 annually

Pay varies based on location and experience. For example, BCBAs in New Jersey or New York tend to earn on the higher end of the range, while rates might be lower in Midwestern or rural areas.

You’ll LOVE being an ABA therapist if you:

• Feel joy watching others grow

• Are patient and love structure

• Want to make a direct, meaningful impact

• Enjoy psychology, education, or health care

You might NOT LIKE being an ABA therapist if you:

• Get overwhelmed by emotional or repetitive work

• Need fast results — ABA progress can be slow and subtle!

• Don’t enjoy working with kids

• Dislike paperwork — progress tracking is key

ABA therapy is structured, meaningful, and people-centered. If you’re looking for a job that challenges your heart and mind, this could be your path.

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Leo has been seeing his client for three weeks. The child still struggles to make eye contact and often refuses to engage. Leo feels like nothing is changing, and he’s starting to doubt his ability to make a difference.

Which mindset will help Leo grow in this role?

A. “If I don’t see results soon, I’ll probably quit.”

B. “This work is unpredictable — I just do my part and hope for the best.”

C. “Progress can take time. I’ll keep tracking data and adjust the plan with my BCBA.”

D. “Maybe I should switch to a less emotional job.”

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This career isn’t for everyone — but it might be perfect for you. ✨

Ready to discover your career path as an ABA therapist?