Basic RBT Salary: People with autism and other developmental disorders often need the assistance of trained specialists known as registered behaviour technicians, or RBTs. Around $54,000 is the average yearly income for a Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) in the US. Starting salary are around $47,000 a year. Their job is to put into action the behaviour plans that Board Certified Behaviour Analysts (BCBAs) have developed and to track how well those plans are working.
How much money can you expect to earn as an RBT? That’s a fair question to ask if you’re thinking about becoming one.
A variety of variables, such as one’s degree of experience and the state in which one resides, might affect RBT pay. The following is an outline of what is to be anticipated:
🧠 RBT Hourly Rate by Years of Experience
| Years of Experience | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Less than 1 year | $16.21/hour |
| 1–4 years | $17.18/hour |
| 5–9 years | $18.11/hour |
| 10–19 years | $18.84/hour |
| 20+ years | $20.00/hour |
🏙️ Highest Paying Cities for RBTs
| Rank | City | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Urban Honolulu, HI | $54,234 | $26.07 |
| 2 | Campbell, CA | $46,546 | $22.38 |
| 3 | Worcester, MA | $44,464 | $21.38 |
| 4 | Baltimore, MD | $42,536 | $20.45 |
| 5 | New York, NY | $42,350 | $20.36 |
| 6 | Lakewood, WA | $42,347 | $20.36 |
| 7 | Lakewood, NJ | $42,115 | $20.25 |
| 8 | Chicago, IL | $41,072 | $19.75 |
| 9 | Saint Paul, MN | $37,623 | $18.09 |
| 10 | Lakewood, CO | $36,340 | $17.47 |
📈 Average RBT Salary Growth by Year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $38,000 | $18.28 | +3.6% |
| 2021 | $36,700 | $17.63 | +2.7% |
| 2020 | $35,700 | $17.15 | +3.7% |
| 2019 | $34,400 | $16.53 | +2.2% |
| 2018 | $33,600 | $16.16 | -0.5% |
| 2017 | $33,800 | $16.25 | 0.0% |
| 2016 | $33,800 | $16.25 | +4.0% |
| 2015 | $32,400 | $15.59 | -0.6% |
| 2014 | $32,600 | $15.68 | +5.3% |
| 2013 | $30,900 | $14.86 | — |
RBT Salary in Georgia
Entry-level RBTs may find Georgia to be an advantageous destination. The wages aren’t great, but there are more and more chances, particularly in larger towns like as Augusta, Savannah, and Atlanta.
- Average Salary: $34,718 per year
- Hourly Rate: $16.69
- The state is now advertising more than 900 open posts.
Just a quick note: the cost of living in Georgia is far cheaper than in coastal areas, but the RBT earnings are below average. Particularly in less populous areas, it means your dollar will go farther.
Salary for RBT in California
The state of California provides RBTs with one of the best working conditions in terms of salary. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego have a high demand for this profession, making this state ideal for anyone seeking to increase their income, particularly if they had prior expertise.
- Average Salary: $45,691 per year
- Hourly Rate: $21.97
- Job Openings: Over 2,100 (highest in the U.S.)
Benefit: Hourly rates may reach $22–$24 in some of California’s best towns, such as Campbell and San Jose. You should be aware that the cost of living in large cities may be rather expensive.
RBT Salary in Massachusetts
When considering states that provide a good mix of wages and quality of life, Massachusetts is a great contender. This state is smaller in size, but it is brimming with employment opportunities, particularly in the vicinity of Boston and Worcester.
- Average Salary: $44,348 per year
- Hourly Rate: $21.32
- Job Openings: Over 900
Why Think About It? Massachusetts has a thriving market for applied behaviour analysis (ABA) services, attractive salaries, and an excellent healthcare system. The state also offers exceptional training programs and institutions for those who aspire to advance to a BCBA position.
All RBT Salary By State
| Rank | State | Average Salary | Hourly Rate | Job Count |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $54,222 | $26.07 | 91 |
| 2 | Connecticut | $45,739 | $21.99 | 355 |
| 3 | Montana | $48,478 | $23.31 | 106 |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $44,348 | $21.32 | 912 |
| 5 | Maine | $40,338 | $19.39 | 146 |
| 6 | West Virginia | $41,284 | $19.85 | 146 |
| 7 | Illinois | $40,998 | $19.71 | 1,219 |
| 8 | North Dakota | $42,073 | $20.23 | 70 |
| 9 | Alaska | $39,710 | $19.09 | 119 |
| 10 | Vermont | $41,975 | $20.18 | 67 |
| 11 | New Jersey | $42,006 | $20.20 | 754 |
| 12 | Rhode Island | $40,474 | $19.46 | 101 |
| 13 | Iowa | $38,966 | $18.73 | 329 |
| 14 | California | $45,691 | $21.97 | 2,102 |
| 15 | New York | $42,320 | $20.35 | 1,021 |
| 16 | Maryland | $42,515 | $20.44 | 508 |
| 17 | Washington | $42,307 | $20.34 | 385 |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | $36,241 | $17.42 | 1,158 |
| 19 | Alabama | $35,552 | $17.09 | 462 |
| 20 | Oregon | $41,137 | $19.78 | 205 |
| 21 | Arizona | $35,949 | $17.28 | 720 |
| 22 | Wisconsin | $35,427 | $17.03 | 664 |
| 23 | Mississippi | $38,237 | $18.38 | 134 |
| 24 | Michigan | $36,607 | $17.60 | 623 |
| 25 | New Hampshire | $39,093 | $18.79 | 112 |
| 26 | Nebraska | $37,824 | $18.18 | 146 |
| 27 | Virginia | $39,421 | $18.95 | 735 |
| 28 | Florida | $36,020 | $17.32 | 1,628 |
| 29 | Indiana | $34,902 | $16.78 | 643 |
| 30 | South Dakota | $34,530 | $16.60 | 106 |
| 31 | Colorado | $36,311 | $17.46 | 560 |
| 32 | Minnesota | $37,652 | $18.10 | 450 |
| 33 | Delaware | $36,676 | $17.63 | 112 |
| 34 | Wyoming | $35,795 | $17.21 | 39 |
| 35 | Texas | $35,348 | $16.99 | 1,791 |
| 36 | District of Columbia | $40,868 | $19.65 | 74 |
| 37 | South Carolina | $35,326 | $16.98 | 364 |
| 38 | North Carolina | $35,730 | $17.18 | 713 |
| 39 | Ohio | $34,699 | $16.68 | 675 |
| 40 | Georgia | $34,718 | $16.69 | 966 |
| 41 | Arkansas | $30,812 | $14.81 | 306 |
| 42 | Tennessee | $32,320 | $15.54 | 553 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $34,378 | $16.53 | 141 |
| 44 | Utah | $31,055 | $14.93 | 297 |
| 45 | Kentucky | $32,764 | $15.75 | 266 |
| 46 | Missouri | $30,643 | $14.73 | 540 |
| 47 | Nevada | $32,670 | $15.71 | 136 |
| 48 | Kansas | $33,115 | $15.92 | 186 |
| 49 | Louisiana | $29,478 | $14.17 | 284 |
| 50 | Oklahoma | $30,051 | $14.45 | 197 |
| 51 | Idaho | $25,291 | $12.16 | 84 |
Can you make a career out of RBT?
Although the job of RBTs is satisfying for many, others may be interested in elevating their careers. RBTs are fortunate in that they have the opportunity to pursue a variety of career paths.
The Board for Certification of Behaviour Analysts (BCBA) is one such option. BCBAs are in charge of creating behaviour plans and supervising RBTs and other experts in the field of behaviour analysis.
Another option is to focus on a subfield of behaviour analysis. For instance, RBTs may specialise in helping individuals with developmental difficulties, while some choose to deal only with children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
If you want to increase your employability, you might consider specialising in a certain field.
In conclusion, a number of RBTs may choose to advance to positions of management or leadership within their respective organisations. This may include overseeing programs specifically created for people with impairments or assisting other RBTs in their work.
As a whole, becoming a registered behaviour analyst is a significant and fulfilling job, but there are also plenty of chances to progress in the area of behaviour analysis.
Conclusion
One must have a reasonable expectation of salary when contemplating a profession as an RBT. Earnings for RBTs may range from $35,000 to $39k annually, with some variation based on factors including experience and location.
FAQ
Q: How much does an RBT get paid in Georgia?
A: In Georgia, the average RBT salary is around $34,718 per year, which equals about $16.69 per hour.
Q: Where do RBTs get paid the most?
A: RBTs earn the highest in Hawaii, with an average salary of $54,222 per year or $26.07 per hour.
Q: Is an RBT a good career?
A: Yes, being an RBT is a good starting point in the behavioral health field. It offers steady income, job demand, and a path to grow into higher roles like BCBA.
Q: What is the starting salary for an RBT?
A: Entry-level RBTs (less than 1 year experience) typically start at about $16.21 per hour.
Q: How much does an RBT make an hour in Florida?
A: RBTs in Florida make around $17.32 per hour on average.
Q: What is the highest salary for an RBT?
A: The top-paying RBT roles can earn up to $54,234 per year (Urban Honolulu, HI), especially with more experience or in high-demand areas.
Q: Can you make good money as an RBT?
A: Yes, especially if you gain experience, earn extra certifications, and work in high-paying states or cities.
Q: What do you need to be an RBT in Florida?
A: To become an RBT in Florida, you need to:
- Be 18+ with a high school diploma or GED
- Complete a 40-hour RBT training course
- Pass a background check
- Pass the RBT competency assessment
- Pass the RBT exam
Q: How much does an RBT make per hour in California?
A: In California, the average hourly rate for an RBT is about $21.97, with an annual salary of around $45,691.
Q: What is the highest-paid RBT?
A: The highest-paid RBTs are found in Urban Honolulu, Hawaii, earning over $26/hour or $54K/year.
Q: How do I get RBT certified in California?
A: Follow the same national steps:
- Complete 40-hour training
- Pass a background check
- Complete the competency assessment
- Pass the RBT exam through the BACB
Q: RBT Salary in California?
A: California RBTs make about $21.97 per hour on average, among the top-paying in the U.S.
Q: RBT Salary in Massachusetts?
A: Massachusetts RBTs earn about $21.32 per hour or $44,348 per year on average.
Q: How much does an RBT make in Massachusetts?
A: The average pay is $21.32 per hour, placing Massachusetts among the higher-paying states.
Q: What is the salary of a Level 2 RBT?
A: Level 2 RBTs or more experienced RBTs may earn between $18.84 to $20 per hour, depending on the region.
Q: How much does a BCBA make in Massachusetts?
A: A Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in Massachusetts can earn $75,000 to $90,000 per year, based on experience and setting.