As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Behavior Specialist in the United States is $297,622 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $143.
However, a Licensed Behavior Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Licensed Behavior 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Licensed Behavior 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 Licensed Behavior Specialist | $288,055 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Behavior Specialist | $289,401 |
| Senior Level Licensed Behavior Specialist | $290,748 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Behavior Specialist | $292,632 |
| Expert Level Licensed Behavior Specialist | $297,622 |
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 Licensed Behavior Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 5.26% |
| Case Management | 3.48% |
| CPR | 2.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Healthcare Services
|
$321,432 |
8%
|
|
Medication Management
|
$318,456 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$312,503 |
5%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$309,527 |
4%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$303,574 |
2%
|
|
Clinical Services
|
$303,574 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Licensed Behavior Specialists enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 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 Licensed Behavior Specialist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $250,405 and $266,352).
Licensed Behavior Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 1.6% |
| Bachelors | 4.2% |
| Masters | 5.7% |
| Doctorate | 85.6% |
Understanding how a Licensed Behavior 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 Licensed Behavior Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $232,271 in 2023 to around $227,061 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Licensed Behavior Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $232,271 |
| 2024 | $237,789 |
| 2025 | $227,061 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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