An Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist uses applied behavior analysis to help patients, often with special needs, autism, or issues such as eating disorders and addiction, modify their behaviors and utilize appropriate behavioral and social skills. Annual earnings for ABA therapists converted to the US dollar are similar is the US and Australia at $72,000 and AU$96,000 ($73,293 USD), respectively, followed by New Zealand at NZ$81,000 ($55,703 USD) and Canada at C$(70,000 ($54,985 USD). ABA therapists in the UK earn about £37,000 ($43,916 USD) per year while those in South Africa see annual earnings close to R423,000 ($30,816 USD) and about Rs424,000 ($6,573 USD) annually in India. This guide outlines earning potential for ABA therapists based on geographic region, professional experience, and work setting.
How Much Does an ABA Therapist Make per Year?
Annual salaries and hourly wages for ABA therapists in select countries worldwide are provided in the chart below.
| ABA Therapist Salary | US | Canada | UK | Australia | New Zealand | India | South Africa |
| Hourly Wage | $35 | C$34 | £18 | AU$46 | NZ$39 | Rs204 | R203 |
| Annual Wage | $71,954 | C$69,750 ($54,985 USD) |
£36,913 ($43,916 USD) |
AU$96,311 ($73,293 USD) |
NZ$80,887 ($55,703 USD) |
Rs424,129 ($6,573 USD) |
R422,528 ($30,816 USD) |
Factors that Influence the ABA Therapist Salary
Salaries vary for ABA therapists by geographic region, professional experience, and work setting. This guide provides earning potential and career information for ABA therapists worldwide.
1. Geographic Area
ABA Therapist Salary in US
ABA therapists in the US earn about $72,000 per year, on average, equivalent to $35 per hour. An additional $1,700 can be earned through bonus income incentives. During the early career years, ABA therapists see an average annual salary of well over $51,000 compared to their senior level colleagues who see earnings reach $89,000 per year.
ABA Therapist Salary in Canada
In Canada, ABA therapists earn an average annual salary of nearly C$70,000, plus another C$1,700 in bonus income. Hourly wage earners receive an average of C$34 per hour. On average, ABA therapists at the entry level receive C$50,000 per year while those at the senior level earn more than C$86,000 per year.
ABA Therapist Salary in UK
ABA therapists in the UK earn roughly £37,000 per year, or £18 per hour, plus another £900 in bonus pay. Entry level ABA therapists earn an average starting salary of more than £26,000 per year compared to senior level professionals who receive nearly £46,000 annually.
ABA Therapist Salary in Australia
As an ABA therapist in Australia, annual earnings average more than AU$96,000 with about AU$2,300 possible in additional bonus incentives. The average hourly wage is AU$46 per hour. Those beginning their careers can expect an average starting salary of about AU$69,000 per year compared to well over AU$119,000 for senior level professionals.
ABA Therapist Salary in New Zealand
In New Zealand, the average starting salary for entry level ABA therapists is nearly NZ$58,000, increasing with experience to about NZ$100,000 for senior level professionals. On average, ABA therapists at all experience levels earn about NZ$81,000 per year, or NZ$39 per hour, with bonus income potential reaching nearly NZ$2,000 in additional income.
ABA Therapist Salary in India
ABA therapists in India see annual earnings exceed Rs424,000 plus an additional Rs10,000 in bonus income. Hourly wage earners receive Rs204 per hour on average. The typical starting salary for entry level professionals is nearly Rs308,000 per year compared to more than Rs532,000 annually for those in senior level professionals.
ABA Therapist Salary in South Africa
In South Africa, ABA therapists earn just under R423,000 per year, and bonus income exceeds R10,000 in additional earnings. The average hourly wage is R203 per hour. Entry level employees earn more than R304,000 per year compared to senior level professionals who see an annual salary of nearly R527,000.
2. Experience
With increased responsibility and experience in an ABA therapist career, annual salaries increase between 72% and 77% worldwide. The highest percentage of salary growth is seen in the UK where the senior level pay is about 77% more per year compared to entry level pay, equating to an annual salary that is about £20,000 more per year. Australia experiences the smallest percentage increase at 72%, or AU$50,000 per year, despite being among the locations with the highest earnings. The gap between senior level and entry level pay in the US is about $38,000 more per year, a growth rate of 74%.
3. Industry
ABA therapists work in hospitals and clinics, academic settings, and frequently in private practice once they have established a patient clientele. For-profit organizations and those within the private sector may offer higher salaries and greater potential for bonus earnings compared to employment found in the public sector or nonprofit organizations.
Working Hours
Most ABA therapists work a full-time schedule that is 40 hours per week. Typical work hours are during normal business hours Monday through Friday; however, some ABA therapists may see patients during evenings, weekends, or in times of patient stress or emergency need. There are some opportunities for flexible scheduling and part-time employment with a smaller patient base.
Bonuses and Benefit Packages
Many ABA therapists receive a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; health savings accounts, and paid time off for vacations, holidays, and sick time. Some employers may offer other employment perks such as paid training and allowances for conference attendance or professional association membership. Bonus income is seen in all countries reviewed in this guide, although these earnings are not typically large.
Job Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 20% growth in mental health counselors, including ABA therapists, between 2016 and 2026 due to improved awareness in mental health issues and treatment and increased access to healthcare. ABA therapists must have advanced education in psychology, most often a bachelor’s degree, and licensure or registration is typically required with the regional governing office.
Conclusion
ABA therapists work in a career field where they have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others who have behavioral issues. The demand for ABA therapists is expected to increase at a much faster than average growth rate, providing many opportunities for newly trained professionals in this career field. Annual salaries are strong and benefits and bonus packages are often part of an employee’s compensation packages.
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