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The differences between behavior analysts and forensic psychologists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a forensic psychologist has an average salary of $83,065, which is higher than the $73,616 average annual salary of a behavior analyst.
The top three skills for a behavior analyst include autism, applied behavior analysis and BCBA. The most important skills for a forensic psychologist are psychological evaluations, mental illness, and risk assessments.
| Behavior Analyst | Forensic Psychologist | |
| Yearly salary | $73,616 | $83,065 |
| Hourly rate | $35.39 | $39.94 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 67,013 | 11,802 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Years of experience | 6 | - |
A behavior analyst is responsible for supporting patients and students with mental and social difficulties, developing treatment plans to address their learning and/or social disabilities. Behavior analysts monitor the students' progress by evaluating their learning and providing them with comprehensive materials and resources according to a targeted curriculum. They also adjust therapy programs as needed, coordinating with other health professionals, students' families, and teachers to provide the best techniques to support their development.
Forensic Psychologists are responsible for evaluating and treating criminal behavior. Their duties include conducting forensic assessments, developing rehabilitation programs, reviewing offender treatments, carrying out research projects, and carrying out forensic statistical analysis. They are responsible for undertaking expert witness testimonies, assisting in policy development, and creating forensic staff training programs. Forensic Psychologists also facilitate crisis negotiation, interpret psychological tests, and help in the supervision of psychology trainees. They use their expertise in helping improve organizational outcomes.
Behavior analysts and forensic psychologists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Behavior Analyst | Forensic Psychologist | |
| Average salary | $73,616 | $83,065 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $105,000 | Between $56,000 And $121,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Santa Rosa, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | California |
| Best paying company | Empower U | Wellpath |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a behavior analyst and a forensic psychologist in terms of educational background:
| Behavior Analyst | Forensic Psychologist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Clinical Psychology |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between behavior analysts' and forensic psychologists' demographics:
| Behavior Analyst | Forensic Psychologist | |
| Average age | 39 | 47 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.9% Female, 71.1% | Male, 36.7% Female, 63.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.6% White, 63.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 5.1% Unknown, 3.6% Hispanic or Latino, 10.6% Asian, 4.2% White, 76.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 20% |