When people think of ABA careers, they often picture RBTs and BCBAs working with children with autism and other developmental delays. It makes sense for this to be the first that comes to mind. After all, according to BACB data, around 75% of BCBAs work with the autism population. But what about that other 25%? What other opportunities exist in this field?
For those of you who enjoy the science of behavior analysis but prefer not to work with children—Or those who are simply curious about broader applications of this science, this article is for you! We'll explore several potential career paths for BCBAs. Remember, behavior is everywhere. There are many unique ways you, as a behavior analyst, can utilize your expertise to create meaningful change in the world.
One important note before we dive in—For many of the following career paths, you won't be able to simply search for open roles on a job board. To work outside of traditional ABA settings, you'll likely need to carve your own path forward, combining your knowledge, skills, and passions with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Autism Care
While there are many diverse career paths in the ABA field, working with the autism population is by far the most common, so we'll highlight it first. There are a few different options for roles outside of the traditional two- or three-tier model. Here are a few possibilities you can explore.
Direct-Care Model—If you enjoy working with autistic learners but aren't interested in being a supervisor, a direct-care model where you conduct the 1:1 without RBTs may be a good option.
Private Practice—Finding an ABA practice that perfectly aligns with your values, clinical approach, and vision for client care can be challenging. For many, independent practice allows them to continue doing what they love with more autonomy. Some private practice owners accept insurance, while others operate on a private pay model only.
Social Skills Group Instructor—Running social skills groups involves designing and leading group sessions with a specific focus on developing social communication and peer engagement skills. Some BCBAs offer this as a service in conjunction with other service offerings.
Clinic Director/Manager/Executive Roles—For BCBAs with strong leadership and clinical skills, growing into a Clinic Director, Manager, or Executive may be an option.
Training Director—If you're particularly passionate about training and ongoing development of technicians and behavior analysts, working as a Training Director may be right up your alley.
Administrative Roles—Pivoting to administrative roles (e.g., scheduling, billing) could be an option, though it may come with a lower pay rate.
Find your next ABA career. Explore job listings for Clinical Managers, Center Directors, Lead BCBAs, and more!
School BCBA/Behavior Support Specialist
ABA in schools has become increasingly more common in recent years. According to the BACB, over 12% of BCBAs work in education. This is the second largest primary area of emphasis. School-based BCBAs work closely with educators, administrators, and support staff to identify, assess, and manage behavior challenges that impact learning. Many schools and districts internally hire BCBAs directly, while others contract with behavior analysts to address specific needs. For example, BCBAs may conduct Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs) for specific students when a family exercises their right to request an independent evaluation of their child's behaviors or school functioning.
School-based BCBAs often work with students in both special education and general education. The way districts leverage behavior analysts and behavior technicians can vary significantly. They may provide direct services, oversee others, and/or operate on a consultative basis.
Some of the common job responsibilities of a school-based BCBA include:
Conducting Functional Behavior Assessments (FBAs)
Developing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs)
Training educators, support staff, technicians, and other professionals on the implementation of behavior plans
Helping educators modify the educational environment in ways that meet individual students' needs
Supervising RBTs/paraprofessionals
Fieldwork Supervisor
Many BCBAs working in traditional ABA settings provide fieldwork supervision for aspiring behavior analysts. However, some offer this service independently as their primary career. The BACB reports only 0.29% of behavior analysts work primarily in professional supervision.
While supervision is not a responsibility to take on lightly, it can be highly rewarding to shape the future generation of behavior analysts. If you think this is the right career path for you, explore considerations for providing remote supervision to make sure you're prepared.
Do you offer remote supervision for BCBA fieldwork? Join our BCBA Remote Supervisor Database!
Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)
By applying behavior analytic principles, OBM specialists help organizations boost employee performance, increase engagement, and improve workplace culture. Behavior Analysts can make meaningful changes within organizations across industries by identifying and addressing challenges through individualized organizational improvement plans.
Here are a few resources for those interested in further exploring the OBM subspecialty of ABA.
IEP Advocate
If you're interested in the intersection between school and ABA, another path you could take is becoming an IEP Advocate. As an IEP Advocate, you would offer support and guidance to families throughout their child's IEP journey. IEP Advocates attend IEP meetings, help families understand their rights, and support them in developing plans that enhance students' educational experience. This role requires a deep understanding of educational law, the special education system, and more. Check out the Pivot into IEP Advocacy® course for more on this career path.
Social Media Influencer/Content Creator
If you've spent any time on Instagram, Facebook, or other social media platforms lately, you've likely come across any number of influencers sharing insights and opinions and connecting with their audience. The ABA field is no exception, with a growing number of BCBAs using their expertise to educate and inspire those in our field, similar fields, and those brand new but curious about ABA.
Social media influencers create content to disseminate ABA. In addition to sharing knowledge, they often partner with brands as an Affiliate Marketer or sell their own resources.
Interested in pursuing this career path? Create a Stan Store! It's simple to create, share resources, and monetize your social media accounts.
If you have ready-to-sell resources, you can also list them on Etsy, Teachers Pay Teachers, and Behavior Analyst Resource Center (BARC).
Sexual Behavior Analysis
Sexual Behavior Analysis is a unique subspecialty of ABA. Behavior Analysts trained in this area support individuals and couples in understanding and developing healthy sexual behaviors. They provide education and therapy aimed at addressing the diverse sexual needs of their clients while promoting informed sexual decision-making. Areas of focus may include consent, body boundaries, sexual traumas, impulsive behaviors, and high or low sex drive.
If this area interests you, consider pursuing training to become a Certified Behavioral Sexologist (CBS). Also, check out SEXABA 2025.
Software/Technology
Living in a digital world means there are countless and ever-evolving forms of technology shaping the way we work, learn, and engage with others. Some BCBAs work within the technology space, supporting the development of apps, websites, and software platforms.
There are many ways Behavior Analysts can apply their knowledge and expertise in technology and software, such as:
ABA practice management and clinical data collection platforms
Behavioral UX/UI Design
VR-Assisted Therapies
Behavior-change apps
Digital screeners, assessments, and curricula
Gamification of routines and skills (e.g., Joon)
Wearable technologies
Coaching & Consulting
If you have a niche you're particularly passionate about, offering coaching or consulting services is an excellent way to create a career doing exactly what you love.
Some of the common coaching niches include:
Health and Wellness Coach
ADHD/Executive Functioning Coach
Vocational Coach
Social Skills Coach
If you're interested in the Health & Wellness niche, Mind Body Behavior offers a Behavior Health and Wellness Certification Program.
Parent Trainer
According to the BACB's demographic data, 0.83% of Behavior Analysts work in parent and caregiver training. Many families experience challenges accessing quality care, such as lengthy waitlists, limited providers in their area, providers requiring a high minimum number of hours, lack of insurance, or hectic schedules. Some families simply need extra support in targeted areas, such as toilet training or daily routines, making a focused model of care an ideal solution. In this way, BCBAs can be highly influential in empowering families through parent training.
Continuing Education Creator/Presenter
Our field thrives on the exchange of knowledge and diverse experiences. As such, there is a need for BCBAs to contribute to continuing education (CE) content. It's relatively simple to become an Authorized Continuing Education (ACE) Provider. Take a look at the ACE Provider Initial Application here. Starting in 2026, RBTs will also need continuing ed, so there will be a need for more courses geared toward RBT-level knowledge.
If you don't have a website to share your continuing education, you can sell your courses on websites like BehaviorLIVE, SNABA, or CEUnicorn.
Group Homes & Day Programs
If working with children isn't your thing, supporting adults in group homes and day programs may be a better match. BCBAs working in these settings assist adults with physical and intellectual disabilities or mental health challenges in developing independent life skills, community integration, and reducing behaviors that interfere with their quality of life.
Research & Higher Education
Another way to give back and advance the field is through research and academia. Behavior Analysts can contribute to the scientific foundation of ABA by conducting studies, publishing research, and working as university instructors or adjunct professors.
Clinical Behavior Analysis
3.74% of BCBAs work in Clinical Behavior Analysis. This subspecialty focuses on treating depression, anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, substance misuse, and other mental health challenges. Those working in Clinical Behavior Analysis typically work within a team of multidisciplinary clinicians, including LMHCs, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, and other mental health providers. Learn more about Clinical Behavior Analysis here.
Insurance Utilization Reviewer
Insurance companies depend on clinicians, including BCBAs, for authorization reviews, claims auditing, and quality insurance. If this interests you, search for job titles like:
Behavioral Health Utilization Reviewer
Autism Care Advocate
Utilization Management
Behavioral Health Care Manager
Behavioral Gerontology
A small number of BCBAs (0.1%) work in behavioral gerontology, supporting the aging population. They apply behavior-analytic strategies to improve memory, maintain daily skills, reduce interfering behaviors, and prolong independence. Learn more about the behavioral gerontology subspecialty here.
Tutoring
Behavior Analysts can apply their expertise in the science of learning by tutoring children or adults. Some BCBAs specifically offer tutoring services for those pursuing BCBA certification. Others offer tutoring in academic subjects, like math or reading.
Cultivate a Uniquely Rewarding Career as a BCBA
As you explore career options, consider the following recommendations.
Follow your passions—Reflect on what interests you. What type of work would make you excited to wake up every morning?
Establish goals—Make a plan that addresses your short and long-term career goals.
Seek mentorship & Training—Leverage the knowledge and expertise of BCBAs who are already doing what you're interested in. Attend workshops and conferences and find a mentor who can set you on the right path.
One last note: This is in no way an exhaustive list of potential career paths for BCBAs. Behavior is EVERYWHERE. But I hope it helps as a starting point for potential new career options.
References
Behavior Analyst Certification Board. (n.d). BACB certificant data. Retrieved from https://www.bacb.com/BACB-certificant-data.
Dalphonse, A. (n.d.). Understanding the role of a BCBA in an educational setting. https://masteraba.com/understanding-the-role-of-a-bcba-in-an-educational-setting/
Yingling, M.E., Ruther, M.H. & Dubuque, E.M. Trends in Geographic Access to Board Certified Behavior Analysts Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 2018–2021. J Autism Dev Disord (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-05402-0
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