Experienced board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA®s) in Arkansas can earn salaries as high as $94,950, according to 2021 statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 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 Metropolitan Areas in Arkansas
The range of salaries for board-certified behavior analysts with ten years of experience in the field are shown below (median to top 10% – current as of 2021):
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway:
- 50th: $94,950
- 75th: $110,550
- 90th: $113,630
Starting Salaries for BCBA®s in the Largest Metropolitan Areas in Arkansas
The most highly paid BCBA®s in Arkansas who lack job experience in the field of behavior analysis can command salaries that exceed the median salary among highly experienced BCBA®s in the state. Salary data shown below for entry-level ABAs is current as of May 2021 (10th percentile to median):
Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway:
- 10th: $26,230
- 25th: $46,220
- 50th: $94,950
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
2418 East Joyce Blvd.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
PH: 479.871.7994
FAX: 479.249.6589 - Sheila Barnes (Hope 4 Autism) – Alma
- Jennifer Smith and Jennifer Kirby (Thrive Autism Solutions)
2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Psychologists, All Other reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed January 2023.