Behavioral analyst vs behavioral health specialist

The differences between behavioral analysts and behavioral health specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a behavioral analyst, becoming a behavioral health specialist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a behavioral analyst has an average salary of $69,468, which is higher than the $44,808 average annual salary of a behavioral health specialist.

The top three skills for a behavioral analyst include autism, BCBA and applied behavior analysis. The most important skills for a behavioral health specialist are patients, social work, and substance abuse.

Behavioral analyst vs behavioral health specialist overview

	Behavioral Analyst	Behavioral Health Specialist
Yearly salary	$69,468	$44,808
Hourly rate	$33.40	$21.54
Growth rate	12%	9%
Number of jobs	66,538	130,222
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age	39	45
Years of experience	6	4

What does a behavioral analyst do?

Behavioral Analyst supports and implements a plan to help patients overcome social and mental disabilities. They are involved in assessing patients' behavior in school, homes, or communities, implementing behavioral plans, updating therapy notes to track progress, and communicating with staff, families, and teachers in relaying the client's needs. A behavioral analyst must have good knowledge in applied behavior analysis, proficient report writing, and have comprehension in creating individualized education programs to help improve client behavior.

What does a behavioral health specialist do?

Typically working for clinics and learning institutions, a behavioral health specialist is in charge of counseling and treating patients with behavioral issues. Their responsibilities revolve around conducting initial assessment through interview and observation, maintaining records and data, developing treatment plans, and referring patients to other support services when necessary. Moreover, a behavioral health specialist must communicate with the patient's families or guardians, discuss conditions, and provide advice on taking care of them. Aside from treating patients, it is also essential to continuously monitor their behavior while building positive relationships with them.

Behavioral analyst vs behavioral health specialist salary

Behavioral analysts and behavioral health specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Behavioral Analyst	Behavioral Health Specialist
Average salary	$69,468	$44,808
Salary range	Between $42,000 And $112,000	Between $29,000 And $66,000
Highest paying City	Portland, OR	Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Therapy Source	Maxim Healthcare Group
Best paying industry	Health Care	Insurance

Differences between behavioral analyst and behavioral health specialist education

There are a few differences between a behavioral analyst and a behavioral health specialist in terms of educational background:

	Behavioral Analyst	Behavioral Health Specialist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	Northwestern University	California State University - Long Beach

Behavioral analyst vs behavioral health specialist demographics

Here are the differences between behavioral analysts' and behavioral health specialists' demographics:

	Behavioral Analyst	Behavioral Health Specialist
Average age	39	45
Gender ratio	Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6%	Male, 29.2% Female, 70.8%
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, 7.9% Unknown, 6.2% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 3.1% White, 74.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	12%	15%

Differences between behavioral analyst and behavioral health specialist duties and responsibilities

Behavioral analyst example responsibilities.

Observe patients and strategically prepare and manage clinical analysis of individuals and their progress in conjunction with formulate behavior goals.
Collaborate with treatment team including client, parents and caregivers, outside professionals, ABA's, and co-workers.
Assist high functioning autism children develop academic and social skills need to be successful by: helping with homework and playing games
Prepare young children with autism to succeed in mainstream educational environments.
Facilitate positive consumer and personal relationships base on positive consumer and personal relationships base on courtesy, compassion, and respect.
Provide model activities and conduct treatment interventions establish by the IIC define in individual treatment plans.

Behavioral health specialist example responsibilities.

Provide individualize intervention for problematic behaviors using TCI techniques such as de-escalation, to prevent and/or manage crisis.
Complete training in CPR, self-defense, and mental health.
Monitor meals for residents suffering from eating disorders and provide compassion and encouragement when an individual are struggling with eating.
Work with kids who have special needs.
Ensure departments are in compliance with MSHA and OSHA regulations.
Provide daily and weekly detail reports on client and BHP interaction.

Behavioral analyst vs behavioral health specialist skills

Common behavioral analyst skills

Autism, 24%
BCBA, 16%
Applied Behavior Analysis, 14%
Developmental Disabilities, 7%
Behavioral Therapy, 6%
ABA, 6%

Common behavioral health specialist skills

Patients, 16%
Social Work, 16%
Substance Abuse, 8%
Rehabilitation, 6%
Patient Care, 6%
Mental Illness, 5%

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Behavioral Analyst vs Behavioral Health Specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

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