Experienced board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA®s) in Arkansas can earn salaries as high as $86,000. While BCBA®s serve a variety of functions, many practice applied behavior analysis (ABA) which is one of the most effective forms of treatment for autism.
Arkansas now requires insurance plans to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis and treatment. Insurance plans now cover ABA to treat this disorder. The law specifies that ABA practitioners who treat ASD in Arkansas must be board-certified. This legislation provides a strong incentive for ABAs in Arkansas to obtain a BCBA® and opens up avenues for them to work as private contractors.
Salaries for Experienced BCBA®s in the Largest Cities in Arkansas
The range of salaries for board-certified behavior analysts with ten years of experience in the field are shown below (median to 90th percentile – current as of November 26, 2016):
Little Rock:
- Schools: $58,000 – $75,000
- Hospitals: $58,000 – $75,000
- Private Practice: $61,000 – $78,000
Fort Smith:
- Schools: $58,000 – $78,000
- Hospitals: $59,000 – $78,000
- Private Practice: $59,000 – $76,000
Fayetteville:
- Schools: $57,000 – $74,000
- Hospitals: $57,000 – $74,000
- Private Practice: $58,000 – $74,000
Springdale:
- Schools: $57,000 – $74,000
- Hospitals: $59,000 – $76,000
- Private Practice: $61,000 – $77,000
Jonesboro:
- Schools: $55,000 – $72,000
- Hospitals: $58,000 – $75,000
- Private Practice: $56,000 – $72,000
North Little Rock:
- Schools: $56,000 – $74,000
- Hospitals: $58,000 – $75,000
- Private Practice: $48,000 – $74,000
Conway:
- Schools: $55,000 – $71,000
- Hospitals: $55,000 – $70,000
- Private Practice: $58,000 – $73,000
Starting Salaries for BCBA®s in the Largest Cities in Arkansas
Salary data shown below for entry-level ABAs is current as of November 2016 (median – 90th percentile):
Little Rock:
- Schools: $47,000 – $63,000
- Hospitals: $48,000 – $63,000
- Private Practice: $49,000 – $63,000
Fort Smith:
- Schools: $48,000 – $65,000
- Hospitals: $48,000 – $64,000
- Private Practice: $49,000 – $63,000
Fayetteville:
- Schools: $48,000 – $61,000
- Hospitals: $48,000 – $61,000
- Private Practice: $48,000 – $61,000
Springdale:
- Schools: $48,000 – $63,000
- Hospitals: $48,000 – $61,000
- Private Practice: 48,000 – $61,000
Jonesboro:
- Schools: $47,000 – $62,000
- Hospitals: $46,000 – $60,000
- Private Practice: $47,000 – $60,000
North Little Rock:
- Schools: $46,000 – $61,000
- Hospitals: $46,000 – $60,000
- Private Practice: $48,000 – $61,000
Conway:
- Schools: $45,000 – $59,000
- Hospitals: $45,000 – $58,000
- Private Practice: $47,000 – $60,000
ABA Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Arkansas
Since Arkansas requires that ABAs who treat autism spectrum disorder (ASD) be board certified, the prevalence of autism affects the level of demand for BCBA®s.
Arkansas is one of a handful of states that tracks the prevalence of ASD in eight-year children. Using data conducted from a survey of 14,153 children in central Arkansas in 2012, researchers calculated that one out of every 83 children surveyed met the criteria to be diagnosed with ASD.
This is lower than the national average of one out of 63 reported by the CDC. However, these findings indicate that 1.2% of the 8-year old children in Arkansas meet the criteria to be diagnosed with ASD.
ABA is one of the mostly widely used methods of treatment for individuals with ASD. These behavior analysts determine an individualized treatment plan for each patient and use well-researched techniques to decrease behavior patterns that interfere with appropriate social interactions and/or learning.
The TEAM Clinic in Fayetteville analyzed the status of ABA treatment of ASD in Arkansas. The organization found that finding qualified ABA therapists and treatments programs had been a difficult process in Arkansas, but that the situation is improving as more ABA services become available. This indicates that job opportunities for BCBA®s have been steadily improving in Arkansas.
The state offers a Medicaid Waiver Program for children who qualify known as the Arkansas Autism Partnership. BCBA® practitioners in Arkansas who specialize in treating ASD include:
- Beth McKee, MSEd, BCBA®,
Clinic Director
Laryssa Hotz, BCBA®
Behavior Technician
(Northwest Arkansas Center for Autism & The Grace School)
beth.mckee@nwacenterforautism.com
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