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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Behavioral Specialist in Maryland is $71,568 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Behavioral Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Behavioral Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $80,932 | $6,744 | $1,556 | $39 |
| Average | $71,568 | $5,964 | $1,376 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,703 | $5,142 | $1,187 | $30 |
Interim HealthCare of Annapolis, MD - Annapolis, MD
Catholic Charities of Baltimore - Lutherville Timonium, MD
MEDSTAR HEALTH - Rosedale, MD
Medstar Health - Baltimore, MD
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 | $64,248 |
| Behaviora... Level Behavioral Specialist | $72,253 |
| Behaviora... Level Behavioral Specialist | $92,908 |
| Behaviora... Level Behavioral Specialist | $107,617 |
| Behaviora... Level Behavioral Specialist | $142,832 |
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:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Behavioral Specialist 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, Insurance, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Behavioral Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Behavioral Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insurance | $85,882 | $41.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $80,932 | $6,744 | $1,556 | $39 |
| Average | $71,568 | $5,964 | $1,376 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,703 | $5,142 | $1,187 | $30 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Behavioral Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Choptank Community Health System, Inc..
Denton, MD
Choptank Community Health System, Inc.. | Denton, MD
Job Description. Job Description. Behavioral Health Program Specialist - Caroline County Schools. Job Summary. The SBHC Behavioral Health Program Specialis... more
6 Days Ago
Choptank Community Health System, Inc..
Chestertown, MD
Choptank Community Health System, Inc.. | Chestertown, MD
Job Description. Job Description. Behavioral Health Program Specialist - Queen Anne's & Kent County Schools. Job Summary. The SBHC Behavioral Health Progra... more
3 Days Ago
Behavioral Health Services, Inc. (Multi-Location)
Brooklyn, MD
Behavioral Health Services, Inc. (Multi-Location) | Brooklyn, MD
Job Description. Job Description. Addiction Counselor / Behavioral Health Specialist. Job Type. Full-Time. Location. Brooklyn Park, MD. Pay/Compensation. $... more
3 Days Ago
JBS International
Rockville, MD
JBS International | Rockville, MD
Job Description. Job Description. The Technical Expert 1 (TE 1) leads the development and delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance using ... more
5 Days Ago
MEDSTAR HEALTH
ROSEDALE, MD
MEDSTAR HEALTH | ROSEDALE, MD
About this Job: Job Summary: MedStar Health is looking for a Senior Behavioral Health Specialist. This role provides direct crisis intervention services to... more
3 Days Ago
Oak Street Health
IRONDALE, CO
Oak Street Health | IRONDALE, CO
Oak Street Health seeks a Behavioral Health Specialist (LCSW, LPC, or LMFT) to provide integrated mental health services within a primary care setting for ... more
4 Days Ago
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