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The differences between behavior analysts and licensed social workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a behavior analyst, becoming a licensed social worker takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a behavior analyst has an average salary of $73,616, which is higher than the $57,005 average annual salary of a licensed social worker.
The top three skills for a behavior analyst include autism, applied behavior analysis and BCBA. The most important skills for a licensed social worker are social work, patients, and home health.
| Behavior Analyst | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Yearly salary | $73,616 | $57,005 |
| Hourly rate | $35.39 | $27.41 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 67,013 | 66,130 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
Licensed Social Workers are duly and legally recognized to carry out activities related to social work. They identify individuals or groups of people in need and assess what kind of help they require. They may assist these people in connecting to agencies that would cater to their needs. Licensed Social Workers also help people cope with their challenges. They are responsible for crafting treatment plans or well-being improvement plans for the individuals they help. They may also be called on during times of crisis to provide emotional support to the individuals involved.
Behavior analysts and licensed social workers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Behavior Analyst | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Average salary | $73,616 | $57,005 |
| Salary range | Between $51,000 And $105,000 | Between $41,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Empower U | Favorite Healthcare Staffing |
| Best paying industry | Government | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a behavior analyst and a licensed social worker in terms of educational background:
| Behavior Analyst | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 54% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Social Work |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between behavior analysts' and licensed social workers' demographics:
| Behavior Analyst | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 28.9% Female, 71.1% | Male, 16.1% Female, 83.9% |
| 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, 19.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 3.3% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 13% |