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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Behavior Specialist in California is $328,581 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $158.
However, a Licensed Behavior Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Licensed Behavior Specialist Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $362,823 | $30,235 | $6,977 | $174 |
| Average | $328,581 | $27,382 | $6,319 | $158 |
| 25th Percentile | $308,629 | $25,719 | $5,935 | $148 |
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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 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 | $318,347 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Behavior Specialist | $319,776 |
| Senior Level Licensed Behavior Specialist | $321,205 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Behavior Specialist | $323,206 |
| Expert Level Licensed Behavior Specialist | $328,581 |
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:
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 Licensed Behavior Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Licensed Behavior Specialist positions in Biotechnology or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Licensed Behavior 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 | $361,440 | $174.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $361,440 | $174.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $362,823 | $30,235 | $6,977 | $174 |
| Average | $328,581 | $27,382 | $6,319 | $158 |
| 25th Percentile | $308,629 | $25,719 | $5,935 | $148 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Licensed Behavior Specialist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Children's Health Council (CHC)
Palo Alto, CA
Children's Health Council (CHC) | Palo Alto, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Mission. At Children’s Health Council, we believe in the promise and potential of every child, teen and young adult. Our ... more
10 Days Ago
Soliant Health
Murrieta, CA
Soliant Health | Murrieta, CA
A full-time, year-round position is available for a Licensed Assistive Technology Specialist serving students from grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12. This role is ... more
8 Days Ago
MCGREW BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SERVICES INC
Vacaville, CA
MCGREW BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION SERVICES INC | Vacaville, CA
McGrew Behavior Services - Join us to Make a Difference. Position Type:Part Time Associate Behavior Specialist/ ABS/ Behavioral Tutor/ ABA Therapist/ Tutor... more
8 Days Ago
Merakey
Escondido, CA
Merakey | Escondido, CA
Licensed Board Certified Behavior Analyst. The BCBA provides behavioral services and clinical oversight for individuals with developmental disabilities and... more
10 Days Ago
BuildAbility
San Fernando, CA
BuildAbility | San Fernando, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Join the. BuildAbility. Team as a Behavior Support Specialist. Are you someone who finds joy in assisting others in reach... more
6 Days Ago
The Stepping Stones Group-Hosted
Reseda, CA
The Stepping Stones Group-Hosted | Reseda, CA
Behavior Support Specialist. 20.00 - 25.00 Reseda, California, USA Behavioral/Autism Support more
8 Days Ago
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