Mental Health40% remote-eligible+8.5% YoY growth

Behavioral Therapist (ABA) Salary
by City (2026)

Provide applied behavior analysis therapy primarily for autism spectrum disorders. National median: $58K/year. See how your city compares.

National median

$58K

Top 10% earn

$102K

Entry level

$42K

Salary growth

+8.5%/yr

Behavioral Therapist (ABA) salary by city

Sorted by median salary

City	Entry	Median	Senior	COL	Tax
San Francisco, CA	$59K	$81K	$109K	224	9.3%
San Jose, CA	$57K	$78K	$105K	210	9.3%
New York City, NY	$56K	$77K	$104K	187	6.85%
Cambridge, MA	$56K	$77K	$103K	185	5%
Pearl City, HI	$56K	$77K	$103K	185	11%
Oakland, CA	$55K	$75K	$101K	185	9.3%
Bellevue, WA	$54K	$75K	$100K	175	None ✓
Boston, MA	$55K	$75K	$101K	162	5%
Washington, DC	$55K	$75K	$101K	152	8.5%
Irvine, CA	$54K	$74K	$99K	172	9.3%
Los Angeles, CA	$53K	$73K	$98K	163	9.3%
Jersey City, NJ	$53K	$73K	$98K	162	10.75%
Yonkers, NY	$52K	$72K	$97K	165	6.85%
Kirkland, WA	$52K	$72K	$97K	162	None ✓
Bethesda, MD	$52K	$72K	$97K	165	5.75%
San Diego, CA	$51K	$71K	$95K	148	9.3%
Seattle, WA	$51K	$71K	$95K	150	None ✓
Newark, NJ	$51K	$71K	$95K	155	10.75%
Stamford, CT	$51K	$71K	$95K	158	6.99%
Arlington, VA	$50K	$70K	$94K	148	5.75%
Honolulu, HI	$50K	$70K	$94K	192	11%
Hilo, HI	$51K	$70K	$95K	155	11%
Anaheim, CA	$50K	$69K	$93K	148	9.3%
Santa Ana, CA	$50K	$69K	$93K	150	9.3%
Rockville, MD	$50K	$69K	$93K	148	5.75%
Long Beach, CA	$50K	$68K	$92K	155	9.3%
Worcester, MA	$50K	$68K	$92K	120	5%
Alexandria, VA	$49K	$68K	$92K	145	5.75%
Baltimore, MD	$50K	$68K	$92K	115	5.75%
Elizabeth, NJ	$49K	$68K	$92K	145	10.75%
Anchorage, AK	$50K	$68K	$92K	128	None ✓
Sacramento, CA	$48K	$67K	$90K	128	9.3%
Chula Vista, CA	$48K	$67K	$90K	138	9.3%
Philadelphia, PA	$48K	$67K	$90K	110	3.07%
Portland, OR	$48K	$67K	$90K	130	9.9%
Paterson, NJ	$49K	$67K	$90K	140	10.75%
Edison, NJ	$48K	$67K	$90K	138	10.75%
Fairbanks, AK	$48K	$67K	$90K	138	None ✓
Chicago, IL	$47K	$65K	$87K	107	4.95%
Denver, CO	$47K	$65K	$87K	118	4.55%
Hartford, CT	$47K	$65K	$87K	118	6.99%
Dallas, TX	$46K	$64K	$86K	96	None ✓
Miami, FL	$46K	$64K	$86K	123	None ✓
Tacoma, WA	$46K	$64K	$86K	128	None ✓
Minneapolis, MN	$46K	$64K	$86K	106	6.8%
Houston, TX	$45K	$63K	$84K	91	None ✓
Plano, TX	$45K	$63K	$84K	105	None ✓
Frisco, TX	$45K	$63K	$84K	118	None ✓
Riverside, CA	$45K	$63K	$84K	118	9.3%
Naperville, IL	$45K	$63K	$84K	118	4.95%
Vancouver, WA	$45K	$63K	$84K	118	None ✓
Atlanta, GA	$45K	$63K	$84K	99	5.75%
Lowell, MA	$45K	$63K	$84K	118	5%
Durham, NC	$45K	$63K	$84K	100	4.75%
Nashville, TN	$45K	$63K	$84K	102	None ✓
St. Paul, MN	$45K	$63K	$84K	104	6.8%
Gresham, OR	$45K	$63K	$84K	118	9.9%
Bridgeport, CT	$45K	$63K	$84K	118	6.99%
New Haven, CT	$46K	$63K	$85K	122	6.99%
Manchester, NH	$45K	$63K	$84K	118	None ✓
Nashua, NH	$46K	$63K	$85K	120	None ✓
Burlington, VT	$45K	$63K	$84K	118	6.6%
Providence, RI	$45K	$63K	$84K	118	5.99%
Hialeah, FL	$45K	$62K	$83K	115	None ✓
Hollywood, FL	$45K	$62K	$83K	115	None ✓
Lakewood, CO	$45K	$62K	$83K	115	4.55%
Ann Arbor, MI	$45K	$62K	$83K	115	4.25%
Frederick, MD	$45K	$62K	$83K	115	5.75%
Portland, ME	$45K	$62K	$83K	115	7.15%
Concord, NH	$45K	$62K	$83K	115	None ✓
Warwick, RI	$45K	$62K	$83K	115	5.99%
Austin, TX	$44K	$61K	$82K	110	None ✓
Fort Worth, TX	$44K	$61K	$82K	93	None ✓
Irving, TX	$44K	$61K	$82K	97	None ✓
McKinney, TX	$44K	$61K	$82K	108	None ✓
Fort Lauderdale, FL	$44K	$61K	$82K	118	None ✓
Pembroke Pines, FL	$44K	$61K	$83K	112	None ✓
Scottsdale, AZ	$44K	$61K	$82K	118	2.5%
Aurora, CO	$45K	$61K	$83K	112	4.55%
Fort Collins, CO	$44K	$61K	$83K	112	4.55%
Raleigh, NC	$44K	$61K	$82K	102	4.75%
Cary, NC	$44K	$61K	$83K	112	4.75%
Pittsburgh, PA	$44K	$61K	$82K	90	3.07%
Eugene, OR	$44K	$61K	$82K	110	9.9%
Salt Lake City, UT	$44K	$61K	$82K	105	4.85%
Round Rock, TX	$44K	$60K	$81K	108	None ✓
Stockton, CA	$43K	$60K	$80K	105	9.3%
Gilbert, AZ	$44K	$60K	$81K	108	2.5%
Tempe, AZ	$44K	$60K	$81K	108	2.5%
Thornton, CO	$44K	$60K	$81K	108	4.55%
Springfield, MA	$43K	$60K	$80K	105	5%
Salem, OR	$43K	$60K	$80K	105	9.9%
Henderson, NV	$43K	$60K	$80K	105	None ✓
Boise, ID	$44K	$60K	$81K	108	5.8%
Meridian, ID	$43K	$60K	$80K	105	5.8%
Wilmington, DE	$44K	$60K	$81K	108	6.6%
San Antonio, TX	$43K	$59K	$80K	87	None ✓
Arlington, TX	$43K	$59K	$80K	94	None ✓
Garland, TX	$43K	$59K	$80K	91	None ✓
Denton, TX	$43K	$59K	$79K	100	None ✓
Carrollton, TX	$43K	$59K	$80K	102	None ✓
San Bernardino, CA	$43K	$59K	$79K	100	9.3%
Tampa, FL	$43K	$59K	$80K	102	None ✓
Cape Coral, FL	$43K	$59K	$79K	100	None ✓
Phoenix, AZ	$43K	$59K	$80K	100	2.5%
Peoria, AZ	$43K	$59K	$79K	100	2.5%
Charlotte, NC	$43K	$59K	$80K	100	4.75%
Rochester, MN	$43K	$59K	$79K	100	6.8%
West Jordan, UT	$43K	$59K	$79K	100	4.85%
Overland Park, KS	$43K	$59K	$79K	100	5.7%
Missoula, MT	$43K	$59K	$80K	102	6.75%
Dover, DE	$43K	$59K	$79K	100	6.6%
Bakersfield, CA	$42K	$58K	$78K	95	9.3%
Albany, NY	$42K	$58K	$79K	98	6.85%
Orlando, FL	$42K	$58K	$78K	100	None ✓
Port St. Lucie, FL	$42K	$58K	$79K	98	None ✓
Aurora, IL	$42K	$58K	$78K	95	4.95%
Chandler, AZ	$42K	$58K	$78K	105	2.5%
Glendale, AZ	$42K	$58K	$78K	95	2.5%
Norfolk, VA	$42K	$58K	$78K	95	5.75%
Chesapeake, VA	$42K	$58K	$79K	98	5.75%
Richmond, VA	$42K	$58K	$78K	98	5.75%
Newport News, VA	$42K	$58K	$78K	95	5.75%
Allentown, PA	$42K	$58K	$78K	95	3.07%
Madison, WI	$42K	$58K	$78K	102	5.3%
Las Vegas, NV	$42K	$58K	$78K	102	None ✓
Reno, NV	$42K	$58K	$78K	108	None ✓
North Las Vegas, NV	$42K	$58K	$79K	98	None ✓
West Valley City, UT	$42K	$58K	$79K	98	4.85%
Provo, UT	$42K	$58K	$78K	100	4.85%
Orem, UT	$42K	$58K	$79K	98	4.85%
North Charleston, SC	$42K	$58K	$78K	95	6.5%
Nampa, ID	$42K	$58K	$79K	98	5.8%
Billings, MT	$42K	$58K	$79K	98	6.75%
Lewiston, ME	$42K	$58K	$79K	98	7.15%
Grand Prairie, TX	$41K	$57K	$76K	90	None ✓
Midland, TX	$41K	$57K	$77K	92	None ✓
Fresno, CA	$41K	$57K	$76K	102	9.3%
Rochester, NY	$41K	$57K	$76K	90	6.85%
Jacksonville, FL	$41K	$57K	$76K	93	None ✓
St. Petersburg, FL	$41K	$57K	$76K	105	None ✓
Tallahassee, FL	$41K	$57K	$76K	90	None ✓
Joliet, IL	$41K	$57K	$76K	90	4.95%
Mesa, AZ	$41K	$57K	$76K	98	2.5%
Athens, GA	$41K	$57K	$77K	92	5.75%
Virginia Beach, VA	$41K	$57K	$76K	98	5.75%
Columbus, OH	$41K	$57K	$76K	90	3.99%
Sterling Heights, MI	$41K	$57K	$76K	90	4.25%
Milwaukee, WI	$41K	$57K	$76K	90	5.3%
Kenosha, WI	$41K	$57K	$76K	90	5.3%
Duluth, MN	$41K	$57K	$77K	92	6.8%
Charleston, SC	$41K	$57K	$76K	105	6.5%
Greenville, SC	$41K	$57K	$77K	92	6.5%
Cheyenne, WY	$41K	$57K	$77K	92	None ✓
Fargo, ND	$41K	$57K	$76K	90	2.5%
Pasadena, TX	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	None ✓
Mesquite, TX	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	None ✓
Beaumont, TX	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	None ✓
Odessa, TX	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	None ✓
Tyler, TX	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	None ✓
Syracuse, NY	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	6.85%
Gainesville, FL	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	None ✓
Spokane, WA	$40K	$56K	$75K	95	None ✓
Colorado Springs, CO	$40K	$56K	$75K	102	4.55%
Greensboro, NC	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	4.75%
Winston-Salem, NC	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	4.75%
Chattanooga, TN	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	None ✓
Cincinnati, OH	$40K	$56K	$75K	88	3.99%
Detroit, MI	$40K	$56K	$75K	82	4.25%
Warren, MI	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	4.25%
Lansing, MI	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	4.25%
Kansas City, MO	$40K	$56K	$75K	90	5.3%
St. Louis, MO	$40K	$56K	$75K	86	5.3%
Independence, MO	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	5.3%
Indianapolis, IN	$40K	$56K	$75K	88	3.23%
Green Bay, WI	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	5.3%
Louisville, KY	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	5%
Lexington, KY	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	5%
Lafayette, LA	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	6%
Cedar Rapids, IA	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	4.82%
Kansas City, KS	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	5.7%
Lincoln, NE	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	5.84%
Rio Rancho, NM	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	5.9%
Great Falls, MT	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	6.75%
Casper, WY	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	None ✓
Bismarck, ND	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	2.5%
Sioux Falls, SD	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	None ✓
Rapid City, SD	$41K	$56K	$76K	88	None ✓
Fayetteville, AR	$40K	$56K	$75K	85	4.9%
Corpus Christi, TX	$40K	$55K	$74K	84	None ✓
Amarillo, TX	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	None ✓
Killeen, TX	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	None ✓
Waco, TX	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	None ✓
Buffalo, NY	$40K	$55K	$74K	88	6.85%
Rockford, IL	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	4.95%
Pueblo, CO	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	4.55%
Columbus, GA	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	5.75%
Augusta, GA	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	5.75%
Macon, GA	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	5.75%
Fayetteville, NC	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	4.75%
Clarksville, TN	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	None ✓
Cleveland, OH	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	3.99%
Akron, OH	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	3.99%
Dayton, OH	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	3.99%
Erie, PA	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	3.07%
Springfield, MO	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	5.3%
Fort Wayne, IN	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	3.23%
South Bend, IN	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	3.23%
Bowling Green, KY	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	5%
Montgomery, AL	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	5%
Huntsville, AL	$40K	$55K	$74K	88	5%
Mobile, AL	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	5%
Norman, OK	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	4.75%
Broken Arrow, OK	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	4.75%
New Orleans, LA	$40K	$55K	$74K	92	6%
Des Moines, IA	$40K	$55K	$74K	88	4.82%
Davenport, IA	$40K	$55K	$74K	82	4.82%
Omaha, NE	$40K	$55K	$74K	88	5.84%
Las Cruces, NM	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	5.9%
Gulfport, MS	$40K	$55K	$73K	80	5%
Brownsville, TX	$39K	$54K	$72K	75	None ✓
Abilene, TX	$39K	$54K	$73K	78	None ✓
Toledo, OH	$39K	$54K	$73K	78	3.99%
Evansville, IN	$39K	$54K	$73K	78	3.23%
Shreveport, LA	$39K	$54K	$73K	78	6%
Jackson, MS	$39K	$54K	$73K	78	5%
Fort Smith, AR	$39K	$54K	$72K	75	4.9%
Charleston, WV	$39K	$54K	$73K	78	6.5%
Huntington, WV	$39K	$54K	$72K	75	6.5%
El Paso, TX	$39K	$53K	$72K	82	None ✓
Tucson, AZ	$39K	$53K	$72K	90	2.5%
Savannah, GA	$39K	$53K	$72K	92	5.75%
Memphis, TN	$39K	$53K	$72K	82	None ✓
Grand Rapids, MI	$39K	$53K	$72K	90	4.25%
Birmingham, AL	$39K	$53K	$72K	82	5%
Columbia, SC	$39K	$53K	$72K	88	6.5%
Oklahoma City, OK	$39K	$53K	$72K	82	4.75%
Baton Rouge, LA	$39K	$53K	$72K	88	6%
Albuquerque, NM	$39K	$53K	$72K	88	5.9%
Lubbock, TX	$38K	$52K	$70K	78	None ✓
Knoxville, TN	$38K	$52K	$70K	85	None ✓
Tulsa, OK	$38K	$52K	$70K	80	4.75%
Wichita, KS	$38K	$52K	$70K	82	5.7%
Laredo, TX	$37K	$51K	$69K	76	None ✓
Little Rock, AR	$37K	$51K	$69K	82	4.9%

COL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?

A $58K Behavioral Therapist (ABA) salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.

Try COL Calculator →

Behavioral Therapist (ABA) Salary Guide (2026)

The national median salary for a Behavioral Therapist (ABA) is $58,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $42,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $78,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Behavioral Therapist (ABA)s nationally earn $102,000+.

Education and requirements

Bachelor's in Psychology; BCBA certification preferred. This role is 40% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.

Salary growth outlook

Behavioral Therapist (ABA) compensation is growing at 8.5% annually, well above the national average wage growth rate. Demand for qualified Behavioral Therapist (ABA)s significantly outpaces supply in most major metros.

Behavioral Therapist (ABA) salary FAQ

How much does a Behavioral Therapist (ABA) make?

The median Behavioral Therapist (ABA) salary in the US is $58,000 per year — about $28/hour. Most earn between $42,000 (25th percentile) and $78,000 (75th percentile).

What is the starting salary for a Behavioral Therapist (ABA)?

Entry-level Behavioral Therapist (ABA) positions typically start around $42,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.

How much do the highest-paid Behavioral Therapist (ABA)s earn?

The top 10% of Behavioral Therapist (ABA)s earn $102,000 or more per year — usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.

Which city pays Behavioral Therapist (ABA)s the most?

San Francisco has the highest median Behavioral Therapist (ABA) salary at $81K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.

Are Behavioral Therapist (ABA) salaries going up?

Yes — Behavioral Therapist (ABA) pay is growing about 8.5% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.

Behavioral Therapist (ABA) Salaryby City (2026)