The role of a behavior technician is to help children with autism and other disabilities develop the skills they need to live independently. In this role, you’ll work directly with the child, teaching them how to complete day-to-day tasks like dressing themselves or making their bed. You’ll also teach them how to interact appropriately with others, including their caregivers and peers.
The first step in becoming a behavior technician is finding out whether your state requires you to have any special certifications or licenses before you can practice in this field. In some states, all that’s needed is a high school diploma or GED; however, some states require candidates for this job to have an associate’s degree in special education or related fields such as psychology or early childhood education.
If your state doesn’t require any certifications for this job, then it’s time for you to decide which type of training program will best prepare you for working with children with disabilities. Some options include:
- Online courses from accredited universities like [name] University offer flexible schedules and affordable tuition rates while still providing students with quality instruction from experienced instructors who know exactly what they’re doing when it comes time for them to apply these.
How To Become Behavior Technician
To become a behavior technician, you must have at least a high school diploma or GED. You also must complete a minimum of 40 hours of specialized training, pass a criminal background check and pass the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) competency assessment and exam. Some employers prefer candidates who have their certification, while others will hire candidates and provide the training they need to complete the certification process.
How to become: Behavioral Therapist · Behavioral Specialist · ABA Therapist · Mental Health Technician · Therapist
These qualifications are required: Driver’s License · CNA · BCBA
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What skills help Behavior Technicians find jobs?
- ADLs
- Addiction counseling
- Applied behavior analysis
- Autism experience
- Behavioral health
- Bilingual
- Childcare
- Communication skills
- Computer literacy
- Computer skills
- Crisis management
- Data collection
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Career progression for Behavior Technician
Education levels for Behavior Technicians
0%10%17%34%38%Doctoral degreeMaster’s degreeAssociate’s degreeHigh school diploma or GEDBachelor’s degree
Based on the requirements of Behavior Technician job openings on Indeed in the United States within the last three years.
| required level of education | percent of job openings |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 38.5% |
| High school diploma or GED | 34.0% |
| Associate’s degree | 17.0% |
| Master’s degree | 10.2% |
| Doctoral degree | 0.3% |
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Expected salary by experience
0 – 44 – 88 – 1212 – 1616 – 2020 – 24Years of experience30k31k32k33k33kAnnual salary in USD
Based on resume data from Indeed users who reported working as a Behavior Technician in the United States within the last three years.
| Years of experience | Annual salary in USD |
|---|---|
| 0 – 4 | $30,300 |
| 4 – 8 | $31,600 |
| 8 – 12 | $33,300 |
| 12 – 16 | $32,900 |
| 16 – 20 | $33,000 |
| 20 – 24 | $30,700 |
Common questions about career advices for a Behavior Technician
What skills do you need to be a behavior technician?
The most commonly sought after skills for a behavior technician include strong verbal and written communication skills, time management skills, the ability to multi-task, maintain patient confidentiality and to develop strong relationships with patients and colleagues. Behavior technicians must also be very empathetic and committed to receiving on-going training and development.
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What advancement opportunities exists for behavior technicians?
Behavior technicians have the opportunity to continue their education and advance their career by becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) and then a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
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