Master’s vs PhD Salary for Applied Behavior ABA Therapist
Students with an interest in psychology may want to earn an advanced degree in applied behavior analysis. This degree typically is offered at the master’s and Ph.D. levels. These programs can help the working professional to obtain the rigorous academic requirements needed to become a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
Applied behavior analysis or ABA is a mode of therapy that focuses on improving certain behaviors, including social skills, reading, communication and academics. Also covered are adaptive learning skills, including fine motor dexterity, grooming, hygiene, job competence and domestic capabilities. (PsychologyToday.com).
Students are able to hone skills that help to bring positive change in the lives of adults and children with behavioral disorders, such as autism. (Capella.edu). It is reported that ABA can help the client to have better social interactions, learn important skills, and keep their behaviors positive. ABA also can help the patient to transfer skills and behavior from one context to another. This can lead to controlling a situation where a negative behavior happens and minimize it. Having these advanced applied behavior skills can put you in high demand across the country. And, you may be able to command a higher salary and receive multiple job offers.
If you have interest in studying a master’s or Ph.D. in applied behavior analysis, it is good to understand what your possible salary could be in psychology and in this specific field. Below is detailed information about salaries that are possible with these advanced degrees, as well as the coveted BCBA credential.
Salary Outlook for Psychologist Overview
The general salary outlook for psychologists according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is excellent. It reports the median salary for all in the field is $92,740. The bottom 10% salary is tops off at $52,430 and the top 10% salary starts at $151,880. Generally, those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree earn towards the lower end of the scale, and those with a PhD earn the most.
Salary Overview for Applied Behavior Analysis
The BLS doesn’t track statistics specifically for applied behavior analysis, but it does track numbers for a range of related careers. These are listed below with their median, top 25% salaries, and top 10% salaries in recognition of the trend that salary increases with education.
| Median Salary | Top 25% Salary | Top 10% Salary | |
| Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors | $53,710 | $70,130 | $89,920 |
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $96,100 | $129,020 | $168,870 |
| Psychology professor | $82,140 | $106,610 | $151,890 |
| Operations research analyst | $83,640 | $115,190 | $148,920 |
| Social science research assistant | $56,400 | $69,720 | $96,720 |
| Market research analyst and marketing specialist | $74,680 | $102,450 | $137,040 |
| Community and social service managers | $77,030 | $98,740 | $127,550 |
| Educational, guidance, and career counselors | $61,710 | $78,780 | $100,050 |
| Community health workers | $48,200 | $60,740 | $75,980 |
| School psychologist | $84,940 | $107,400 | $131,470 |
Salary With BCBA Credential
Once you have your graduate degree in applied behavior analysis, you can take a national examination to earn the BCBA credential. You may see a salary bump with a PhD, but it may not be enough to make the years of extra work and expense worth it.
SEE ALSO: Salary Outlook with BCBA
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the employment of all psychologists, including applied behavior analysis specialists, will rise by 7% between 2023 and 2033. This rate is faster than average for all occupations of just 4%. It is anticipated more demand for psychological services in hospitals, schools and mental health centers will drive demand, and this applies to applied behavior analysis jobs, as well.
The BLS also tracks employment projections for the following ABA-related professions (2022-2032):
| Operations research analyst | 23% |
| Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors | 18.8% |
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | 13.3% |
| Community health workers | 13.1% |
| Market research analyst and marketing specialist | 8.3% |
| Community and social service managers | 8.2% |
| Social science research assistant | 6.3% |
| Psychology professor | 5% |
| Educational, guidance, and career counselors | 4.5% |
| School psychologist | 0.7% |
The occupation of school psychologist could be an important one for professionals earning their master’s or PhD in applied behavior analysis. Employment of school psychologists for people with advanced degrees will continue to grow because of the higher awareness of connections between mental health and learning, as well as the higher need to treat autism and related conditions in schools.
More Demand for Psychologists Reflects Increasing Healthcare Job Trend
The reason we are seeing more need for applied behavior analysis-trained psychologists is in part because of the greater need for all healthcare services in the United States. According to the BLS, employment in all healthcare and social assistance occupations will rise by 10% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than average. In this time, 2.3 million new jobs will be added, and there should be plenty available for professionals with an advanced degree in applied behavior analysis
May 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and labor market information for Psychologists, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary, Operations Research Analysts, Social Science Research Assistants, Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists, Social and Community Service Managers, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors, Community Health Workers, and School Psychologists is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2025.
Conclusion
Earning a master’s or Ph.D., in applied behavior analysis can be a great positive for your future career and earning power. From our research, the majority who work in applied behavior analysis have a master’s degree. But if you do have a Ph.D., you may be able to command a higher salary, based upon the above salary data.