A clinical supervisor listening to a supervisee across a break-room table.

Disciplines / BT

Behavior Technician (BT)

Behavior technicians deliver ABA sessions while working toward RBT certification, usually with employer-funded training.

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Advertised pay: $18/hr – $25/hr
Credential: 40-hour training in progress; RBT credential expected within 90 days in most roles
Live roles: None open today

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What is a Behavior Technician (BT), and what does the role pay?

Behavior technicians deliver ABA sessions while working toward RBT certification, usually with employer-funded training. The credential is 40-hour training in progress; RBT credential expected within 90 days in most roles, issued by Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Across the roles we recruit, BT pay is typically advertised between $18/hr – $25/hr, with setting and caseload moving the figure more than tenure. Continuous. This is the entry point into behavioral health for most people who go on to become BCBAs.

What the role does

Deliver direct ABA sessions under supervision
Record session data
Complete the 40-hour training and competency assessment
Support clients across home, center and community settings

Credential and route in

40-hour training in progress; RBT credential expected within 90 days in most roles · Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)

1High school diploma
2Employer-provided 40-hour training
3Competency assessment
4RBT exam

Advertised pay

Advertised BT pay ranges in the United States
Career stage	Advertised pay	What typically sits behind it
Entry	$18/hr	Newly credentialed, supervised caseload
Mid-career	$21/hr	Full caseload, independent, some supervision of others
Senior	$25/hr	Lead or multi-site scope, clinical quality ownership

Ranges reflect what we typically see advertised on roles we recruit for in the US. They are a market guide, not a survey, and vary by setting, caseload and experience. Last reviewed August 2026.

Full BT salary guide

Where BTs work

Center-based ABA clinics · In-home ABA · Community settings

Specialties

Demand right now

Continuous. This is the entry point into behavioral health for most people who go on to become BCBAs.

Hiring BTs?

BT pipelines only pay off with a written progression plan. We help employers position the role as a career start, not a stopgap.

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Live BT roles

No live BT roles today. Join the talent network and we will contact you when one opens in your state.

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Questions we get asked

What is the difference between a BT and an RBT?: An RBT holds the BACB credential. A behavior technician is doing the same work while completing training and the competency assessment, usually within the first 90 days.