As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Behavioral Instructor in the United States is $35,018 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Behavioral Instructor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Behavioral Instructor'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Behavioral Instructor'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 |
|---|---|
| Behaviora... Level Behavioral Instructor | $35,579 |
| Home Care... Level Behavioral Instructor | $32,104 |
| Home Care... Level Behavioral Instructor | $38,597 |
| Home Care... Level Behavioral Instructor | $43,078 |
| Home Care... Level Behavioral Instructor | $43,133 |
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 Behavioral Instructors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.83% |
| Medication Administration | 5.59% |
| Service Quality | 3.86% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Social Work
|
$39,220 |
12%
|
|
Leadership
|
$38,170 |
9%
|
|
Analysis
|
$38,170 |
9%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$36,769 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$36,419 |
4%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$36,419 |
4%
|
For Behavioral Instructor roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Behavioral Instructor positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Behavioral Instructor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $42,022 | $20.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Behavioral Instructor'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Behavioral Instructor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $40,341 in 2023 to around $40,186 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Behavioral Instructor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $40,341 |
| 2024 | $40,550 |
| 2025 | $40,186 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Behavioral Instructor roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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