RBT Salary Expectations in California

The ABA field is expanding; now is the best time to be a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), RBTs are expected to see significant job growth between 2018 and 2028.

A measure of economic health, job growth in the ABA industry will likely coincide with an increase in RBT salaries, especially in California’s biggest cities. That’s welcome news after a year of economic stagnation and uncertainty.

Keep reading to learn more about RBT salary expectations in California and how Therapeutic Pathways is stepping up to provide even more benefits to employees.

Average Salaries for RBTs in California

The average RBT salary is higher in California than elsewhere in the country. As of July 28, 2021, the average RBT salary in California is $42,656, while the nationwide average is significantly lower at $36,905.

The difference is likely due to job demand and the cost of living. It’s important to note that salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city where the RBT lives, their education level, certifications, additional skills, and number of years in the field. Typically, however, the salary range for RBTs in California falls between $36,678 and $50,959.

Therapeutic Pathways is committed to providing staff members with a livable, competitive wage. We keep up with state and national trends and provide a host of benefits to all employees. Visit our Careers page for more information about our incentives and programs.

Starting Salaries for RBTs in Modesto and Sacramento

Therapeutic Pathways has a large presence in north-central California. We’re proud to offer our services to hundreds of families at centers in East Bay, Elk Grove, Folsom, Sacramento, Modesto, and Tracy. Below, we provide more information about the average starting salary for RBTs in two of the biggest cities in our area, Modesto and Sacramento.

Remember that these figures are estimates; your actual salary will depend on many factors, including your experience, education, and skillset. Contact Therapeutic Pathways for more information.

Modesto

The average early-career salary for RBTs in Modesto is $16to $20.25 per hour, which works out to around $42,000 per year. With the average cost of living and housing 6.9% and 18.3% lower than Sacramento respectively, this is a viable salary to maintain your current standard of living.

Sacramento

The average early-career salary for RBTs in Sacramento is $17.50 to $21.75 per hour, which works out to $34,000 to $44,000 per year. With the average cost of living and housing 18.4% and 39.8% lower than Long Beach, the next-largest city behind Sacramento, this is a fair wage to maintain your standard of living.

Industry Growth

Thanks to inclusive practices and expansion of treatment centers, more children with ASD are receiving treatment than ever before. Just like in any other industry, growth in ABA leads to higher salaries and better benefits. Therapeutic Pathways is proud to offer both to our valuable RBTs.

Here’s a closer look at the impressive growth the industry has seen in recent years.

“Psychiatric technicians and aides,” the job category in which the Bureau places behavior technicians, is expected to see 12% job growth between 2018 and 2028. The Bureau also places BTs in the category of “substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors,” which is expected to see 22% job growth.

Both categories are expected to grow faster than the national average.

Opportunities for Advancement

ABA offers many exciting opportunities for professionals to advance their careers. BTs and RBTs are encouraged to pursue further credentials, as their salary will increase with each certification they earn. For example, an RBT can earn their bachelor’s degree and additional certification to become a BCaBA, a position with a higher average salary and more responsibilities.

With a master’s or doctoral degree, a BCaBA can become a BCBA or BCBA-D. Therapeutic Pathways is proud to offer these and other opportunities; just as we’re here to help clients be their best selves, we’re here to help staff members develop as much as they can in their careers.

Competitive RBT Salaries Available at Therapeutic Pathways

At Therapeutic Pathways, our staff truly is our greatest resource. We wouldn’t be able to help clients without our employees’ hard work and dedication, so we’re happy to provide them with the compensation and benefits that will keep them motivated and maintain a satisfying standard of living.

Please visit our Careers page to learn more about the exciting benefits and opportunities that we offer our RBTs. If you’re currently seeking a position as a BT or RBT, visit our Open Positions page.

Readiness

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Readiness program. This individualized, evidence-based program teaches young children skills they need to accelerate their learning and gain independence. Using imitation and naturalistic learning techniques, your child will develop useful skills in the areas of speech and language, cognition, and self-awareness. A program for children ages 0-3. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Foundations

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Foundations program. This program gives preschool and school-age children the structure to achieve important social, emotional, and intellectual milestones, helping them test within their peers’ range. With 25+ hours of applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy per week, your child will develop social skills and better self-awareness for school and home. A program for children ages 4-7. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Breakthroughs

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Breakthroughs program. Specifically designed for children who have limited hours due to school schedules, this program removes life barriers by developing communication, social, and self-help skills. We teach your child to engage in appropriate behaviors, helping them interact with peers and develop relationships. A program for children ages 8-11.

Interactions

Your answers indicate that your child may be best treated in the Interactions program. Through guided social skills groups twice a week, this program helps improve social functioning in children ages 5 to 16. Parent or caregiver participation is crucial to this program; our certified staff provides training for successful participation.

Independence

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Independence program. Geared toward older children, this program includes more in-depth skills that will help your child function independently. Taught skills include functional communication, self-management, and financial literacy. A program for individuals ages 12-25. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Your Child My Be Suited to Multiple Programs

Independence

Strategies

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited for the Strategies program. The most age-encompassing of our programs, the goal of Strategies is to reduce challenging behaviors and issues with aggression. These behaviors interfere with independence and community participation, so we work to mitigate those challenges and encourage safe, appropriate behavior for individuals of any age. *This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Strategies

Breakthroughs and/or Interactions

Your answers indicate that your child may be best suited to the Breakthroughs or Interactions programs. These programs treat similar symptoms, so Therapeutic Pathways will need to meet with you and your child before we can place them within the appropriate program.

Specifically designed for children who have limited hours due to school schedules, Breakthroughs removes life barriers by developing communication, social, and self-help skills. We teach your child to engage in appropriate behaviors, helping them interact with peers and develop relationships.

Through guided social skills groups twice a week, Interactions helps improve social functioning in children. Parent or caregiver participation is crucial to this program; our certified staff provides training for successful participation.

*This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.

Your Child My Be Suited to Multiple Programs

Breakthroughs and/or Interactions

*This is a suggestion based on the answers you submitted. Please contact Therapeutic Pathways at (209) 422-3280 to discuss which program would best suit your child.