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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Behavioral Support Specialist in California is $73,927 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Behavioral Support Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Behavioral Support Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $81,496 | $6,791 | $1,567 | $39 |
| Average | $73,927 | $6,161 | $1,422 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,332 | $5,444 | $1,256 | $31 |
Asteri Behavioral Treatment Center - Mira Loma, CA
Florence Crittenton Services of Orange Country Inc - Moreno Valley, CA
Chinatown Service Center - San Gabriel, CA
MarSell Wellness Center - Montebello, CA
A Behavioral Support 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 Support 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Behavioral Support Specialist | $71,898 |
| Intermediate Level Behavioral Support Specialist | $72,137 |
| Senior Level Behavioral Support Specialist | $75,125 |
| Specialist Level Behavioral Support Specialist | $78,491 |
| Expert Level Behavioral Support Specialist | $78,731 |
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 Support 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 Support 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, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Behavioral Support Specialist positions in Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Behavioral Support Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $88,713 | $43.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Behavioral Support 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 | $81,496 | $6,791 | $1,567 | $39 |
| Average | $73,927 | $6,161 | $1,422 | $36 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,332 | $5,444 | $1,256 | $31 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Behavioral Support Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
MarSell Wellness Center
Victorville, CA
MarSell Wellness Center | Victorville, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Behavioral Specialist. Department. Location. Foster Family Services Moreno Valley. Reports To. Lead Clinician.... more
5 Days Ago
Montage Health
Monterey, CA
Montage Health | Monterey, CA
Welcome to Montage Health's application process. Job Description:The Behavior Specialist reports to the Assistant Director of Acute Psychiatric Services wh... more
6 Days Ago
California Respite Care
Los Angeles, CA
California Respite Care | Los Angeles, CA
About California Respite Care California Respite Care is seeking compassionate, dependable, and purpose-driven individuals to join our caregiving team.We s... more
2 Days Ago
Strategies to Empower People Inc.
Sacramento, CA
Strategies to Empower People Inc. | Sacramento, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Strategies to Empower People (STEP) is hiring full-time Behavioral Support Staff to provide in-home and community support... more
5 Days Ago
Turning Point Community Programs
Fairfield, CA
Turning Point Community Programs | Fairfield, CA
Job Description. Job Description. GENERAL PURPOSE. Under the administrative supervision of the Program Director or designee, this at-will direct service po... more
2 Days Ago
South Coast Children's Society
Mission Viejo, CA
South Coast Children's Society | Mission Viejo, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. POSITION SUMMARY. The Behavioral Health Intake Specialist is the first point of contact for individuals, fam... more
2 Days Ago
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