A Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) is one of the most trending career options in the field of behavioural health. RBT is not just a job that helps people fight autism and developmental disabilities, but it also offers good perks with a balanced work life. It offers numerous opportunities for career advancement.
If you have a plan to make a career in RBT or are already working in this field, you will get more detailed information here about the facts that affect salary, growth prospects, and wage expectations. This guide is going to explain the reality of an RBT’s salary in 2025
Contents
- 1 What Is the Average RBT Salary?
- 2 Factors That Influence RBT Pay
- 3 How RBT Salaries Compare to Similar Roles
- 4 RBT Salary by State in 2025
- 5 Top 10 Highest-Paying Cities for RBTs
- 6 RBT Salary Growth Trends (2013–2022)
- 7 How to Increase Your Salary as an RBT
- 8 Why Becoming an RBT Is Worth It
- 9 Final Thoughts
- 10 What Is the Average RBT Salary?
- 11 Factors That Influence RBT Pay
- 12 How RBT Salaries Compare to Similar Roles
- 13 RBT Salary by State in 2025
- 14 Top 10 Highest-Paying Cities for RBTs
- 15 RBT Salary Growth Trends (2013–2022)
- 16 How to Increase Your Salary as an RBT
- 17 Why Becoming an RBT Is Worth It
- 18 Final Thoughts
What Is the Average RBT Salary?
Generally, RBTs make between 35000$ to 50,000$ per annum and it totally depends on their job role, experience, skills, location etc. Usually, the hourly rate may be between 16$ to 25$.
In comparison to other entry-level healthcare jobs, RBT salaries are competitive. But beyond pay, many people choose this career for the satisfaction of connecting directly with their clients and seeing real progress in behavior therapy.
Factors That Influence RBT Pay
There are several factors that differentiate the payout of RBTs. Here are the key factors:
1. Location
Salaries of RBTs may be drastically changed from rural areas to metro cities. Urban areas and Mero cities always pay higher due to the high cost of living. For example, if someone lives in a metro city, he may get 20-30% higher than sin maller towns.
2. Experience Level
Entry-level professionals start with lower pay scales. Once their experience increases or they become a technician or mentor, it keeps increasing with time and experience.
3. Employer Type
Here, you can see differences in the same industry. RBTs who are working in clinics and hospitals earn more than working in schools or community programs.
4. Additional Skills & Certifications
Someone with advanced training skills and extra certifications such as CPR, first aid, or specialized autism intervention training, has a higher chance of getting a job and earning a higher payout.
5. Demand & Caseloads
Better wages are found in areas where there is a greater need for ABA services. In a similar way, RBTs who can handle heavier caseloads get bonuses or good pay.
How RBT Salaries Compare to Similar Roles
In comparison to other behavioral health careers, RBTs earn less than BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) but more than many entry-level paraprofessionals.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- RBTs: $35,000–$50,000 yearly
- BCaBAs (Assistant Behavior Analysts): $50,000–$65,000 yearly
- BCBAs (Certified Behavior Analysts): $65,000–$90,000+ yearly
RBT Salary by State in 2025
The cost of living, the demand for ABA services, and the state’s healthcare system all have a significant impact on RBT pay. A state-wise salary overview for Registered Behaviour Technicians in the United States for 2025 is shown here:
|
State |
Average Annual Salary |
Hourly Rate |
|
Hawaii |
$52,800 |
$25.38 |
|
California |
$48,900 |
$23.51 |
|
Massachusetts |
$47,600 |
$22.88 |
|
New York |
$46,700 |
$22.45 |
|
Washington |
$45,800 |
$22.01 |
|
Connecticut |
$45,200 |
$21.73 |
|
New Jersey |
$44,500 |
$21.39 |
|
Maryland |
$44,200 |
$21.25 |
|
Oregon |
$43,000 |
$20.67 |
|
Colorado |
$42,600 |
$20.48 |
|
Florida |
$40,200 |
$19.33 |
|
Illinois |
$40,000 |
$19.23 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$39,800 |
$19.13 |
|
Virginia |
$39,500 |
$18.99 |
|
Texas |
$38,700 |
$18.61 |
|
Georgia |
$37,800 |
$18.17 |
|
Arizona |
$37,400 |
$17.98 |
|
North Carolina |
$36,900 |
$17.74 |
|
Michigan |
$36,600 |
$17.60 |
|
Ohio |
$36,200 |
$17.40 |
|
Minnesota |
$35,800 |
$17.21 |
|
Nevada |
$35,500 |
$17.07 |
|
Tennessee |
$35,100 |
$16.88 |
|
Indiana |
$34,800 |
$16.73 |
|
Wisconsin |
$34,700 |
$16.68 |
|
South Carolina |
$34,200 |
$16.44 |
|
Alabama |
$33,900 |
$16.30 |
|
Kentucky |
$33,600 |
$16.15 |
|
New Mexico |
$32,800 |
$15.77 |
|
Kansas |
$32,600 |
$15.67 |
|
Missouri |
$32,400 |
$15.58 |
|
Louisiana |
$31,900 |
$15.34 |
|
Arkansas |
$31,500 |
$15.14 |
|
Oklahoma |
$31,000 |
$14.90 |
|
Mississippi |
$30,700 |
$14.76 |
|
West Virginia |
$30,200 |
$14.52 |
|
Idaho |
$29,800 |
$14.33 |
|
Wyoming |
$29,500 |
$14.18 |
|
South Dakota |
$29,200 |
$14.04 |
|
North Dakota |
$29,000 |
$13.94 |
|
Montana |
$28,800 |
$13.85 |
|
Maine |
$28,500 |
$13.70 |
|
Vermont |
$28,200 |
$13.56 |
|
Alaska |
$28,000 |
$13.46 |
|
Nebraska |
$27,800 |
$13.37 |
|
Utah |
$27,600 |
$13.27 |
|
New Hampshire |
$27,300 |
$13.13 |
|
Delaware |
$27,000 |
$12.98 |
|
Rhode Island |
$26,800 |
$12.88 |
Key Insights from the Data
- Highest Paying States: Hawaii, California, and Massachusetts are offering RBTs salaries above $47,000 annually.
- Mid-Range States: Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania hover around the $39K–$40K mark, aligning closely with the national average.
- Lowest Paying States: Rhode Island, Delaware, and Utah report salaries closer to $27,000 annually, reflecting lower demand and cost of living.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Cities for RBTs
In addition to variations by state, there are huge differences in salaries per city. The cost of ABA services is frequently higher in urban locations with significant demand.
|
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 |
👉 Key Insight: Urban Honolulu, HI, remains the highest-paying city for RBTs in the U.S.
RBT Salary Growth Trends (2013–2022)
RBT salaries have steadily grown over the past decade, reflecting increasing demand for ABA services.
|
Year |
Avg. Salary |
Growth Rate |
|
2022 |
$38,000 |
3.60% |
|
2021 |
$36,700 |
2.70% |
|
2020 |
$35,700 |
3.70% |
|
2019 |
$34,400 |
2.20% |
|
2018 |
$33,600 |
-0.50% |
|
2017 |
$33,800 |
0.00% |
|
2016 |
$33,800 |
4.00% |
|
2015 |
$32,400 |
-0.60% |
|
2014 |
$32,600 |
5.30% |
|
2013 |
$30,900 |
– |
👉 Key Insight: Over 8-10 years, RBT salaries increased by nearly 20-25%, proving this is a growing and stable career option.
How to Increase Your Salary as an RBT
If you are looking to increase your income as an RBT, here are key strategies:
- Gain Experience –. Experienced applicants are given preference by employers so add value to your skills to get good compensation.
- Pursue Higher Education – You can nearly double your salary by switching from RBT to BCaBA or BCBA.
- Seek Out High-Demand Areas – Moving to one location to another with shortage of RBTs can increase your income significantly.
- Specialize – You can stand out from the competition by focusing on fields like behavioural crisis management, severe autism cases, or early intervention.
- Negotiate Smartly – Don’t be afraid of negotiating your salary when looking for a new job especially if you have good experience.
Why Becoming an RBT Is Worth It
Although wages are a significant consideration, the majority of RBTs concur that job happiness is more essential than money. Whether it’s teaching social skills, enhancing everyday living skills, or assisting a kid in communicating for the first time, RBTs witness the results of their work every day.
In addition to the psychological benefits, the occupation provides:
Beyond the emotional rewards, the profession also offers:
- Flexible work hours
- Increasing demand in the fields of healthcare and education
Final Thoughts
The high demand for applied behaviour analysis (ABA) services and the vital role RBTs play in the industry are both reflected in the RBT remuneration in 2025. Being a Registered Behaviour Technician is a financially and personally fulfilling career choice, with average salaries in the $35K–$50K range and room for advancement.
This is the ideal choice if you are thinking about pursuing this career path. Every day, the work has a significant impact, the demand is growing, and the pay is competitive.
A Registered Behaviour Technician (RBT) is one of the most trending career options in the field of behavioural health. RBT is not just a job that helps people fight autism and developmental disabilities, but it also offers good perks with a balanced work life. It offers numerous opportunities for career advancement.
If you have a plan to make a career in RBT or are already working in this field, you will get more detailed information here about the facts that affect salary, growth prospects, and wage expectations. This guide is going to explain the reality of an RBT’s salary in 2025
What Is the Average RBT Salary?
Generally, RBTs make between 35000$ to 50,000$ per annum and it totally depends on their job role, experience, skills, location etc. Usually, the hourly rate may be between 16$ to 25$.
In comparison to other entry-level healthcare jobs, RBT salaries are competitive. But beyond pay, many people choose this career for the satisfaction of connecting directly with their clients and seeing real progress in behavior therapy.
Factors That Influence RBT Pay
There are several factors that differentiate the payout of RBTs. Here are the key factors:
1. Location
Salaries of RBTs may be drastically changed from rural areas to metro cities. Urban areas and Mero cities always pay higher due to the high cost of living. For example, if someone lives in a metro city, he may get 20-30% higher than sin maller towns.
2. Experience Level
Entry-level professionals start with lower pay scales. Once their experience increases or they become a technician or mentor, it keeps increasing with time and experience.
3. Employer Type
Here, you can see differences in the same industry. RBTs who are working in clinics and hospitals earn more than working in schools or community programs.
4. Additional Skills & Certifications
Someone with advanced training skills and extra certifications such as CPR, first aid, or specialized autism intervention training, has a higher chance of getting a job and earning a higher payout.
5. Demand & Caseloads
Better wages are found in areas where there is a greater need for ABA services. In a similar way, RBTs who can handle heavier caseloads get bonuses or good pay.
How RBT Salaries Compare to Similar Roles
In comparison to other behavioral health careers, RBTs earn less than BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) but more than many entry-level paraprofessionals.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- RBTs: $35,000–$50,000 yearly
- BCaBAs (Assistant Behavior Analysts): $50,000–$65,000 yearly
- BCBAs (Certified Behavior Analysts): $65,000–$90,000+ yearly
RBT Salary by State in 2025
The cost of living, the demand for ABA services, and the state’s healthcare system all have a significant impact on RBT pay. A state-wise salary overview for Registered Behaviour Technicians in the United States for 2025 is shown here:
|
State |
Average Annual Salary |
Hourly Rate |
|
Hawaii |
$52,800 |
$25.38 |
|
California |
$48,900 |
$23.51 |
|
Massachusetts |
$47,600 |
$22.88 |
|
New York |
$46,700 |
$22.45 |
|
Washington |
$45,800 |
$22.01 |
|
Connecticut |
$45,200 |
$21.73 |
|
New Jersey |
$44,500 |
$21.39 |
|
Maryland |
$44,200 |
$21.25 |
|
Oregon |
$43,000 |
$20.67 |
|
Colorado |
$42,600 |
$20.48 |
|
Florida |
$40,200 |
$19.33 |
|
Illinois |
$40,000 |
$19.23 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$39,800 |
$19.13 |
|
Virginia |
$39,500 |
$18.99 |
|
Texas |
$38,700 |
$18.61 |
|
Georgia |
$37,800 |
$18.17 |
|
Arizona |
$37,400 |
$17.98 |
|
North Carolina |
$36,900 |
$17.74 |
|
Michigan |
$36,600 |
$17.60 |
|
Ohio |
$36,200 |
$17.40 |
|
Minnesota |
$35,800 |
$17.21 |
|
Nevada |
$35,500 |
$17.07 |
|
Tennessee |
$35,100 |
$16.88 |
|
Indiana |
$34,800 |
$16.73 |
|
Wisconsin |
$34,700 |
$16.68 |
|
South Carolina |
$34,200 |
$16.44 |
|
Alabama |
$33,900 |
$16.30 |
|
Kentucky |
$33,600 |
$16.15 |
|
New Mexico |
$32,800 |
$15.77 |
|
Kansas |
$32,600 |
$15.67 |
|
Missouri |
$32,400 |
$15.58 |
|
Louisiana |
$31,900 |
$15.34 |
|
Arkansas |
$31,500 |
$15.14 |
|
Oklahoma |
$31,000 |
$14.90 |
|
Mississippi |
$30,700 |
$14.76 |
|
West Virginia |
$30,200 |
$14.52 |
|
Idaho |
$29,800 |
$14.33 |
|
Wyoming |
$29,500 |
$14.18 |
|
South Dakota |
$29,200 |
$14.04 |
|
North Dakota |
$29,000 |
$13.94 |
|
Montana |
$28,800 |
$13.85 |
|
Maine |
$28,500 |
$13.70 |
|
Vermont |
$28,200 |
$13.56 |
|
Alaska |
$28,000 |
$13.46 |
|
Nebraska |
$27,800 |
$13.37 |
|
Utah |
$27,600 |
$13.27 |
|
New Hampshire |
$27,300 |
$13.13 |
|
Delaware |
$27,000 |
$12.98 |
|
Rhode Island |
$26,800 |
$12.88 |
Key Insights from the Data
- Highest Paying States: Hawaii, California, and Massachusetts are offering RBTs salaries above $47,000 annually.
- Mid-Range States: Florida, Illinois, and Pennsylvania hover around the $39K–$40K mark, aligning closely with the national average.
- Lowest Paying States: Rhode Island, Delaware, and Utah report salaries closer to $27,000 annually, reflecting lower demand and cost of living.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Cities for RBTs
In addition to variations by state, there are huge differences in salaries per city. The cost of ABA services is frequently higher in urban locations with significant demand.
|
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 |
👉 Key Insight: Urban Honolulu, HI, remains the highest-paying city for RBTs in the U.S.
RBT Salary Growth Trends (2013–2022)
RBT salaries have steadily grown over the past decade, reflecting increasing demand for ABA services.
|
Year |
Avg. Salary |
Growth Rate |
|
2022 |
$38,000 |
3.60% |
|
2021 |
$36,700 |
2.70% |
|
2020 |
$35,700 |
3.70% |
|
2019 |
$34,400 |
2.20% |
|
2018 |
$33,600 |
-0.50% |
|
2017 |
$33,800 |
0.00% |
|
2016 |
$33,800 |
4.00% |
|
2015 |
$32,400 |
-0.60% |
|
2014 |
$32,600 |
5.30% |
|
2013 |
$30,900 |
– |
👉 Key Insight: Over 8-10 years, RBT salaries increased by nearly 20-25%, proving this is a growing and stable career option.
How to Increase Your Salary as an RBT
If you are looking to increase your income as an RBT, here are key strategies:
- Gain Experience –. Experienced applicants are given preference by employers so add value to your skills to get good compensation.
- Pursue Higher Education – You can nearly double your salary by switching from RBT to BCaBA or BCBA.
- Seek Out High-Demand Areas – Moving to one location to another with shortage of RBTs can increase your income significantly.
- Specialize – You can stand out from the competition by focusing on fields like behavioural crisis management, severe autism cases, or early intervention.
- Negotiate Smartly – Don’t be afraid of negotiating your salary when looking for a new job especially if you have good experience.
Why Becoming an RBT Is Worth It
Although wages are a significant consideration, the majority of RBTs concur that job happiness is more essential than money. Whether it’s teaching social skills, enhancing everyday living skills, or assisting a kid in communicating for the first time, RBTs witness the results of their work every day.
In addition to the psychological benefits, the occupation provides:
Beyond the emotional rewards, the profession also offers:
- Flexible work hours
- Increasing demand in the fields of healthcare and education
Final Thoughts
The high demand for applied behaviour analysis (ABA) services and the vital role RBTs play in the industry are both reflected in the RBT remuneration in 2025. Being a Registered Behaviour Technician is a financially and personally fulfilling career choice, with average salaries in the $35K–$50K range and room for advancement.
This is the ideal choice if you are thinking about pursuing this career path. Every day, the work has a significant impact, the demand is growing, and the pay is competitive.
