Applied Behavior Analysis jobs are on the rise, making them one of the fastest-growing opportunities in behavioral health. ABA’s central role in autism therapy and developmental supports has driven this growth. New research from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) highlights this trend, showing a dramatic surge in job demand for clinicians certified in Applied Behavior Analysis jobs across the United States.
As families, providers, and policymakers grapple with the growing need for quality behavioral services, understanding the evolving job market for ABA professionals is more important than ever. This blog breaks down the latest insights, explores state-by-state variations, and considers what this means for clinicians and therapy providers today.
A Meteoric Rise in Job Postings for BCBAs and BCaBAs
According to the BACB’s recent labor market report, job postings requiring Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) have increased an astonishing 9.2 times in 2023 compared to 2017. Meanwhile, the demand for Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts (BCaBAs) has grown sixfold over the same period, though this growth has softened since its peak in 2021.
To put that into perspective:
- In 2017, the number of job postings for BCBAs was far lower than it is now, signaling a relatively modest market.
- By 2023, those postings had exploded to 65,300 unique job listings nationwide.
- There are currently about 66,300 certified BCBAs in the U.S., which means the market nearly equals the total number of credentialed clinicians.
- For BCaBAs, there were about 6,300 job postings in 2023, compared to 5,400 certified assistants.
This means that, theoretically, every certified BCBA could find a new position if they wanted to — a remarkable indicator of market demand that is rare in many healthcare professions. The growth trajectory has been steady since 2010, but the 14% year-over-year increase from 2022 to 2023 alone highlights the urgency and competitiveness of the market today.
The rise in Applied Behavior Analysis jobs reflects not just an increase in postings but also a shift in how vital these roles are becoming in behavioral health.
Why This Demand Is Surging
Several converging factors are driving this unprecedented demand for ABA clinicians:
1. Increased Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Diagnosis
The rising identification of autism spectrum disorder has dramatically increased the number of families seeking ABA therapy. Early intervention is critical for positive outcomes, and ABA remains the gold standard recommended by experts and insurers. As screening improves and public awareness grows, so does demand for qualified providers — directly fueling the surge in Applied Behavior Analysis jobs.
2. Historic Shortage of ABA Clinicians
Despite the rising demand, there has been a longstanding shortage of credentialed ABA clinicians, especially BCBAs. Training to become a BCBA requires advanced education, supervised clinical hours, and certification exams — barriers that limit how quickly the workforce can grow. The shortage means providers compete fiercely to recruit and retain staff, increasing competition in the Applied Behavior Analysis jobs market.
3. Investment and Industry Growth
The autism therapy market has attracted significant investment from private equity and venture capital, fueling expansion of clinics and service networks across the country. This investment drives demand for clinicians to staff new and growing facilities. However, the challenge remains in maintaining clinician supply to meet this rapid growth — a core reason why Applied Behavior Analysis jobs are in such high demand.
State-by-State Demand: Uneven but Widespread Growth
The BACB report reveals significant variation in demand across states:
- Highest demand states: California, Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, and Georgia make up 40% of all BCBA job postings in 2023.
- California alone accounts for 18% of total demand, a reflection of its large population and established service networks.
- Explosive growth in some states: Oregon (291%), Kansas (228%), and New Hampshire (107%) experienced huge spikes in job postings, signaling emerging markets or expanded service capacity.
- Declines in some states: Despite overall national growth, six states saw decreases in BCBA postings, including Minnesota (-17%), Colorado (-15%), California (-10%), Florida (-10%), Virginia (-1%), and Texas (-0.1%).
The BCaBA market shows similar regional variability. Although national demand dropped 12% compared to 2021, states like New Hampshire, North Carolina, New Mexico, Kentucky, and Oklahoma saw job postings more than double.
These differences likely reflect factors such as regional policy changes, Medicaid coverage variations, local population growth, and provider saturation — all directly impacting where Applied Behavior Analysis jobs are most available.
The Clinician Shortage Challenge: Retention and Workforce Development
With demand so high and growing, a key issue for the field is clinician retention. High turnover among ABA providers poses a significant threat to care continuity, clinical quality, and the long-term growth of provider organizations.
- Burnout: The emotionally demanding nature of ABA therapy and relatively low wages in some markets contribute to clinician stress and turnover.
- Training Pipeline: Many organizations are now investing heavily in “grow-your-own” models, encouraging front-line staff to pursue BCBA certification while working. This helps meet workforce needs but requires resources and time.
- Wage Pressure: Despite strong demand for clinicians, payer reimbursement rates have remained relatively flat, limiting providers’ ability to increase wages and benefits competitively.
- Company Culture: Providers who prioritize positive workplace culture, career development, and professional support tend to have better retention rates, which is critical in such a tight labor market — especially for Applied Behavior Analysis jobs.
What This Means for ABA Clinicians
If you are currently a BCBA or BCaBA — or considering certification — the market conditions couldn’t be more favorable. Here’s what you can expect:
- Opportunities galore: Whether you want to stay in your current role or explore new employers, there are more job options than ever for Applied Behavior Analysis jobs.
- Potential for better pay and benefits: Organizations are competing to attract and keep top talent, which may lead to improved compensation packages.
- Career growth pathways: With many providers investing in training programs, there are more ways to advance your skills and credentials.
- Challenges of a competitive market: While demand is high, clinician burnout is real, so it’s important to find a role and environment that supports your wellbeing.
What Providers Must Do to Keep Up
For autism therapy companies and behavioral health providers, the data is a call to action:
- Invest in workforce development: Supporting staff to earn certifications and advance clinically is essential.
- Enhance retention strategies: Competitive pay, benefits, and positive culture help reduce costly turnover.
- Innovate service delivery: Telehealth, group models, and other efficiencies can help stretch clinician resources without sacrificing quality.
Providers who rise to meet the challenge will be best positioned to serve growing client needs and build sustainable organizations in the fast-changing world of ABA therapy.
The explosive rise in Applied Behavior Analysis jobs shows no signs of slowing. For clinicians and providers alike, understanding this landscape is critical to making informed career and business decisions in 2025 and beyond.
