Kristyn Peterson
Feb 19

BCBA Jobs: What Can You Do as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst?

If you're a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or thinking about becoming one, you might be wondering what career options are available. Many people assume that all BCBAs work with children with autism, but the truth is, there are so many other opportunities out there! Whether you're interested in healthcare, business, education, or even forensic work, your BCBA certification can open the door to a variety of rewarding careers.

In this post, we’ll explore different BCBA jobs, including traditional roles and some unique career paths you might not have considered. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about BCBA jobs to help you better understand your career options.

What Do BCBAs Do?

BCBAs are experts in behavior analysis, meaning they use data-driven methods to improve behaviors in different settings. Traditionally, most BCBAs work in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, working with autistic people develop essential life skills. But that’s just one option!
While 82.11% of BCBA's identified their "primary area of emphasis" as Autism Spectrum Disorders (BACB, 2024), there a number of other areas that behavior analysts are working, even if they're less common. You can check out more of those data here. The demand for behavior analysts growing rapidly for work in ABA therapy, there are other options out there for people who want something a little different, or are looking for a career change. 

Common BCBA Career Paths

Autism Therapy & Special Education

  • Work in schools, clinics, or in-home therapy settings.
  • Develop and oversee ABA therapy programs for autistic children
  • Train behavior technicians and parents to help children improve communication, social skills, or other things that are significant for that specific child 

Not-so-Common BCBA Career Paths

Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)

  • Apply behavior science to improve workplace culture, employee performance, and productivity.
  • Help businesses develop better leadership strategies and streamline processes.
  • Work as a consultant or corporate trainer to optimize behavior-based solutions in organizations.
OBM is an approach, rather than a specific job title. Check out our blog on OBM Jobs for more information here: 

Health & Fitness

If you're into health, sports, and fitness, but don't necessarily want to look at that from an employee perspective (as you would in OBM), you may be interested in applying your behavioral skills into health and fitness! 
  • Use behavior analysis to help people achieve fitness goals, improve diet habits, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  • Work in weight management programs, or personal coaching

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

  • Help individuals recovering from brain injuries relearn essential skills like memory, problem-solving, and daily living activities.
  • Work with hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or private clients.

Behavioral Pediatrics & Mental Health

  • Support children and families dealing with medical challenges through behavior-based strategies.
  • Help individuals with depression, anxiety, and stress management using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

Substance Use Treatment

  • Apply behavioral approaches to prevent and treat substance abuse.
  • Work in rehabilitation centers, research institutions, or community outreach programs.

Forensic & Criminal Profiling

  • Assist law enforcement agencies in analyzing criminal behavior.
  • Work as a forensic BCBA, identifying patterns in crimes to support investigations.

Behavioral Gerontology

  • Work with aging adults to maintain independence, cognitive function, and quality of life.
  • Help seniors manage conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia through behavior-based interventions.

Behavioral Finance

  • Apply behavior analysis to help people make better financial decisions.
  • Work in financial coaching, economic research, or investment strategy development.

Environmental Sustainability

  • Use behavior analysis to promote eco-friendly habits.
  • Work with governments, corporations, or nonprofits to encourage sustainable practices.

Child Welfare

  • Apply ABA to support children and families in the child welfare system.
  • Work with foster children, adoptive families, and those affected by neglect or abuse
  • Collaborate with social workers and child protection agencies

Corrections & Delinquency

  • Use ABA to reduce recidivism and promote positive behavior change in offenders.
  • Address criminal behavior, impulse control, and social skills. 
  • Work with individuals in correctional facilities or juvenile detention centers.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What industries hire BCBAs?

BCBAs work in various industries, including education, healthcare, business consulting, mental health services, forensic science, and fitness coaching. The demand for BCBAs is growing across multiple fields.

Do all BCBAs work with autism?

No! While many BCBAs specialize in autism therapy, there are numerous career paths available, including OBM, forensic behavior analysis, behavioral health, and corporate training.

Can BCBAs work remotely?

Yes, many BCBAs can work remotely, especially in OBM, consulting, telehealth services, and research.

How much do BCBAs make?

Salaries vary based on location and field. However, BCBAs working in OBM, healthcare, and specialized consulting roles often earn higher salaries than those in traditional ABA therapy settings.

How do I transition from autism therapy to another BCBA field?

Gaining experience in OBM, healthcare, or forensic behavior analysis through continuing education, mentorship, and networking can help you transition to a new BCBA career path.

What is Moralis as a Business?

Moralis helps behavior analysts develop their skills through CEUs, job seeker supports, job coaching, and individual supervision and mentoring.

Final Thoughts

A BCBA certification opens up a world of possibilities beyond autism therapy. Whether you want to work in business, healthcare, forensic science, or fitness, there’s a career path for you. If you’re feeling burnt out or looking for a change, consider our courses, resources, or job seeker supports! 

Ready to explore new BCBA career opportunities? Let us know in the comments!

References

Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (n.d). BACB certificant data. Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com/BACB-certificant-data.