As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Behavior Therapist in the United States is $66,505 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Behavior Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Behavior Therapist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Behavior Therapist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Behavior Therapist | $65,082 |
| Intermediate Level Behavior Therapist | $65,675 |
| Senior Level Behavior Therapist | $68,459 |
| Specialist Level Behavior Therapist | $70,914 |
| Expert Level Behavior Therapist | $71,352 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Behavior Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 10.3% |
| First Aid | 2.94% |
| Discharge Planning | 1.57% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Dialysis
|
$70,495 |
6%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$69,830 |
5%
|
|
Group Therapy
|
$69,165 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$69,165 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$69,165 |
4%
|
|
Coordination
|
$69,165 |
4%
|
For Behavior Therapist roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 15% above the average. Conversely, Behavior Therapist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Behavior Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $76,481 | $37.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Behavior Therapists enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Behavior Therapist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $61,034 and $64,817).
Behavior Therapist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 6.0% |
| High School | 6.0% |
| Associates | 3.7% |
| Bachelors | 69.8% |
| Masters | 19.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.9% |
Understanding how a Behavior Therapist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for a Behavior Therapist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $112,866 in 2023 to around $112,431 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Behavior Therapist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $112,866 |
| 2024 | $114,232 |
| 2025 | $112,431 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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