Provide applied behavior analysis therapy primarily for autism spectrum disorders. Median salary in Lakewood: $67K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.
Figures represent annual base salary in Lakewood, Colorado. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →
Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.
Behavioral Therapist (ABA)s in Lakewood earn approximately 16% higher than the US national median for this role — a $9,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Lakewood's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.
This role's national salaries are growing at 8.5% year-over-year, well above the BLS all-occupations average of ~3.5%. If that pace holds, the Lakewood median reaches $100,745 in five years.
Average 1-bedroom rent in Lakewood ($1,700/mo) consumes approximately 46% of an after-tax median Behavioral Therapist (ABA) salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home — a salary at the 75th percentile ($90K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.
Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $67K by 2030.
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The median Behavioral Therapist (ABA) salary in Lakewood, CO is $67,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Lakewood–CO metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.
Entry-level Behavioral Therapist (ABA)s in Lakewood with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $48,000 and $67,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $67,000 to $90,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $90,000 to $117,000 or more.
Lakewood has a cost of living index of 115 compared to the US national average of 100. Lakewood's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Colorado has a 4.55% state income tax rate.
Bachelor's in Psychology; BCBA certification preferred. 40% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.