43 ABA Therapist Statistics, Facts & Demographics

Top 10 ABA Therapist Statistics

1. The demand for ABA therapists is projected to grow by 19% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
2. The median annual wage for ABA therapists in the US is $40,000 according to recent ABA therapist statistics.
3. ABA therapy is considered the gold standard for treating autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
4. The number of children diagnosed with ASD has increased by 72% since 2007.
5. ABA therapy has been shown to improve communication, socialization, and cognitive skills in children with ASD.
6. ABA therapists work with a variety of individuals, including children with ASD, individuals with developmental disabilities, and those with behavioral disorders.
7. The number of ABA therapists in the US is estimated to be around 30,000.
8. ABA therapy is based on the principles of behaviorism, which emphasize the importance of observable and measurable behaviors.
9. ABA therapy sessions typically last between 30 minutes to an hour and are individualized to meet the needs of each client.
10. ABA therapy can be delivered in a variety of settings, including schools, clinics, and homes.

Important ABA Therapy Statistics & Demographics

• The majority of ABA therapists are female, with approximately 85% of all ABA therapists being women.
• The average age of an ABA therapist is between 25 and 34 years old.
• Approximately 70% of ABA therapy clients are male.
• Studies have shown that early intervention with ABA therapy can lead to significant improvements in language, socialization, and daily living skills for children with ASD. In fact, research has shown that up to 50% of children who receive early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) can make significant gains in cognitive and language development.
• The effectiveness of ABA therapy is dependent on the intensity and duration of treatment. Research has shown that children who receive at least 20 hours per week of ABA therapy make greater progress than those who receive less than 10 hours per week.
• While some insurance plans cover ABA therapy, many families still struggle to afford the cost. The average cost of ABA therapy ranges from $120 to $200 per hour, with some families paying upwards of $50,000 per year for treatment.

How Many BCBAs Are There In The US?

• As of 2021, there are over 38,000 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) in the US.
• This number has steadily increased over the years, with a growth rate of approximately 8% each year.
• California has the highest number of BCBAs, accounting for approximately 20% of all BCBAs in the US.
• Other states with a high number of BCBAs include Massachusetts, New York, Texas, and Florida.
• The demand for BCBAs is also increasing rapidly. In fact, the job outlook for behavior analysts is expected to grow by 22% from 2018 to 2028.

How Many BCaBAs Are There In The US?

• As of 2021, there are over 10,000 Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) in the US.
• This number has steadily increased over the years, with a growth rate of approximately 12% each year.
• California has the highest number of BCaBAs, accounting for approximately 18% of all BCaBAs in the US.
• Other states with a high number of BCaBAs include Texas, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania.
• The demand for BCaBAs is also increasing rapidly. In fact, the job outlook for assistant behavior analysts is expected to grow by 17% from 2019 to 2029.

How Many RBTs Are There In The US?

• As of 2021, there are over 100,000 Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) in the US.
• This number has steadily increased over the years, with a growth rate of approximately 20% each year.
• California has the highest number of RBTs, accounting for approximately 15% of all RBTs in the US.
• Other states with a high number of RBTs include Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania.
• The demand for RBTs is also increasing rapidly. In fact, the job outlook for behavior technicians is expected to grow by 16% from 2018 to 2028.

Number Of ABA Therapists By Race, Gender & Age

Average Age Of ABA Therapists

• The average age of an ABA therapist is between 25 and 34 years old.
• Approximately 10% of ABA therapists are under the age of 25, while around 40% are between the ages of 25 and 34.
• Around a quarter (25%) of ABA therapists are between the ages of 35 and 44, while approximately 20% are between the ages of 45 and 54.
• Only about 5% of ABA therapists are over the age of 55.

ABA Therapist Job Outlook

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of ABA therapists is projected to grow by 19% from 2020 to 2030. This growth rate is much faster than the average for all occupations.
• The job outlook for BCBAs is particularly strong, with a projected growth rate of 22% from 2018 to 2028.
• The demand for assistant behavior analysts (BCaBAs) and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) is also expected to increase rapidly in the coming years, with projected growth rates of 17% and 16%, respectively.

Average ABA Therapist Salary

• The median annual wage for ABA therapists in the US is $40,000.
• However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience, education level, and geographic location.
• In California, the average annual salary for an ABA therapist is around $50,000, while in Texas it is closer to $35,000.
• Those who hold a BCBA certification typically earn higher salaries than those without. The median annual salary for BCBAs in the US is around $60,000.
• RBTs typically earn less than BCBAs or even ABA therapists without certification. The median annual salary for RBTs in the US is around $30,000.

Where Are ABA Therapists Most In Demand?

• According to recent job market data, California has the highest demand for ABA therapists in the US, accounting for approximately 20% of all job postings for ABA therapists.
• Other states with high demand for ABA therapists include Texas (10%), Florida (9%), New York (7%), and Massachusetts (5%).

FAQs

What education is required to become an ABA therapist?

To become an ABA therapist, you typically need at least a bachelor's degree in a related field such as psychology, education, or behavior analysis. You may also need to complete additional training and certification requirements depending on your state and employer.

How long does it take to become an ABA therapist?

The amount of time it takes to become an ABA therapist can vary depending on your educational background and the specific requirements of your employer. Typically, it can take anywhere from 2-4 years to complete the necessary education and training.

What kind of clients do ABA therapists work with?

ABA therapists work with a wide range of clients, including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), individuals with developmental disabilities, and those with behavioral disorders.

What kind of skills does an ABA therapist need?

An ABA therapist needs strong communication skills, patience, and creativity. They should also have a solid understanding of behavior analysis principles and techniques.

How much do ABA therapists make?

The median annual wage for ABA therapists in the US is $40,000. However, salaries can vary depending on factors such as experience level, geographic location, and type of employer.

Is there a shortage of ABA therapists?

Yes, there is currently a shortage of qualified ABA therapists in many areas due to the increasing demand for services.

Can parents participate in their child's ABA therapy sessions?

Yes, many ABA therapy programs encourage parent involvement in their child's treatment plan as it can help improve outcomes and generalization of skills learned in therapy sessions.

Are there any potential side effects or risks associated with ABA therapy?

While research has shown that ABA therapy is generally safe and effective, there may be some risks and potential side effects.

These can include increased aggression or self-injurious behavior in some individuals with ASD, as well as burnout or compassion fatigue for therapists. It's important to discuss any concerns with a qualified healthcare provider.

How ABA Therapy Can Address Challenges in Individuals with Other Conditions?

ABA therapy is effective for individuals with ASD and can help those with other conditions like ADHD and Down syndrome. For individuals with ADHD, ABA therapy can improve focus and manage impulsive behavior.

For individuals with Down syndrome, ABA therapy can teach life skills. Each treatment plan should be individualized to meet the unique needs of each client.

ABA therapists can develop effective treatment plans that address specific challenges and lead to meaningful improvements in quality of life with proper assessment and evaluation.

Conclusion

ABA therapy is a valuable service that provides individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities with the tools they need to succeed.

As demand for ABA therapy services continues to grow, it is important to understand the statistics that drive this field and the impact that ABA therapy can have on the lives of those who receive it.