As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Behavioral Specialist in the United States is $69,417 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Behavioral Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Behavioral Specialist'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 Specialist'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 |
|---|---|
| Intake Co... Level Behavioral Specialist | $62,281 |
| Behaviora... Level Behavioral Specialist | $70,080 |
| Behaviora... Level Behavioral Specialist | $90,084 |
| Behaviora... Level Behavioral Specialist | $104,306 |
| Behaviora... Level Behavioral Specialist | $138,402 |
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 Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 18.99% |
| Programming | 2.57% |
| Pediatric | 1.89% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrity
|
$72,194 |
4%
|
|
Analysis and Assessment
|
$72,194 |
4%
|
|
Listening
|
$72,194 |
4%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$71,500 |
3%
|
|
Initiative
|
$71,500 |
3%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$71,500 |
3%
|
Understanding how a Behavioral Specialist'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 April 01, 2026Salaries for a Behavioral Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $71,315 in 2023 to around $69,108 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Behavioral Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $71,315 |
| 2024 | $70,313 |
| 2025 | $69,108 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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