Careers in ABA Therapy: Why This Field is Growing and How You Can Get Started

Careers in ABA Therapy: Why This Field is Growing and How You Can Get Started

If you are looking for a rewarding career that makes a lasting impact on individuals and families, a job in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy might be the perfect fit. ABA therapy is a science-backed approach to helping individuals with autism and developmental disabilities build essential life skills, improve communication, and gain independence.

With the increasing demand for ABA professionals, this career path offers job security, career advancement, and the chance to make a real difference. Whether you’re new to the field or considering a transition, here’s why a career in ABA therapy is a fulfilling and high-demand choice.

Why Choose a Career in ABA Therapy?

1. Make an Impact Every Day

ABA therapists work directly with children, teens, and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, helping them develop skills that improve their quality of life. Through personalized interventions, ABA professionals support individuals in learning:

• Communication skills (verbal and nonverbal)
• Social interactions and emotional regulation
• Daily living skills like dressing, eating, and hygiene
• Behavior management strategies

Studies published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders have found that ABA therapy significantly improves communication, adaptive skills, and overall independence in individuals with autism. As an ABA professional, you are helping people reach their fullest potential every day.

2. High Demand and Job Security

The demand for ABA professionals is at an all-time high. According to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB), the need for Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) grew by over 5,800% between 2010 and 2021. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs in behavioral health fields will continue to grow faster than average, ensuring strong job security.

This demand is driven by:

• The rising diagnosis rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with 1 in 36 children diagnosed according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Increased access to insurance coverage for ABA therapy, making services more widely available.
• Greater recognition of ABA as an evidence-based treatment for autism and behavioral challenges.

Whether you become a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), or BCBA-D (Doctorate level BCBA), there is a clear path for career advancement in ABA therapy.

3. A Career That is Both Challenging and Rewarding

ABA therapy is more than just a job—it is a meaningful career where every small achievement can be life-changing for the individuals and families you serve. Watching a child speak their first words, make a new friend, or complete a task independently is deeply fulfilling.

Many ABA professionals say that:

• They feel a strong sense of purpose in their work.
• They build close relationships with clients and families.
• They develop problem-solving skills and continuously learn new strategies.

The field also provides ongoing professional development opportunities, allowing individuals to specialize in different areas such as early intervention, school-based ABA, or adult behavioral therapy.

Career Paths in ABA Therapy

There are multiple career options within ABA therapy, each with its own level of certification and responsibility:

1. Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

• Entry-level role in ABA therapy.
• Works directly with individuals under the supervision of a BCBA.
• Requires a 40-hour training course, a competency assessment, and passing the RBT exam.

2. Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA)

• Mid-level certification that requires a bachelor’s degree in behavior analysis or related field.
• Supports BCBAs in implementing behavior intervention plans.
• Must complete coursework, supervised fieldwork, and pass the BCaBA exam.

3. Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

• Requires a master’s degree in behavior analysis, psychology, or a related field.
• Creates and oversees behavior intervention plans, supervises RBTs, and works closely with families.
• Must complete supervised experience and pass the BCBA certification exam.

4. Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D)

• Requires a doctoral degree in behavior analysis or a related field.
• Focuses on research, teaching, and advanced clinical work in ABA therapy.

ABA therapy provides multiple career growth opportunities, allowing individuals to advance their skills, specialize in different areas, and take on leadership roles.