As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Behavioral Therapist in the United States is $103,799 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Behavioral Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Behavioral 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 Behavioral 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 Behavioral Therapist | $102,941 |
| Intermediate Level Behavioral Therapist | $103,186 |
| Senior Level Behavioral Therapist | $106,297 |
| Specialist Level Behavioral Therapist | $110,003 |
| Expert Level Behavioral Therapist | $110,267 |
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 Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 9.81% |
| Medical Records Audit | 2.93% |
| Clinical Supervision | 2.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Medical Records Audit
|
$111,065 |
7%
|
|
Organizational Skills
|
$107,951 |
4%
|
|
Commitment
|
$105,875 |
2%
|
|
Dedication
|
$105,875 |
2%
|
|
Clinical Leadership
|
$105,875 |
2%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$105,875 |
2%
|
For Behavioral Therapist 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 Therapist positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Behavioral Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $124,559 | $60.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Behavioral 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 Behavioral Therapist with a Bachelor's Degree is between $96,426 and $101,848).
Behavioral Therapist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.6% |
| Associates | 4.2% |
| Bachelors | 25.5% |
| Masters | 67.1% |
| Doctorate | 2.5% |
Understanding how a Behavioral 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 Behavioral Therapist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $110,004 in 2023 to around $109,580 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Behavioral Therapist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $110,004 |
| 2024 | $111,335 |
| 2025 | $109,580 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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