Behavioral analyst vs family therapist

The differences between behavioral analysts and family therapists 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 family therapist takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a behavioral analyst has an average salary of $69,468, which is higher than the $50,774 average annual salary of a family therapist.

The top three skills for a behavioral analyst include autism, BCBA and applied behavior analysis. The most important skills for a family therapist are social work, patients, and rehabilitation.

Behavioral analyst vs family therapist overview

	Behavioral Analyst	Family Therapist
Yearly salary	$69,468	$50,774
Hourly rate	$33.40	$24.41
Growth rate	12%	14%
Number of jobs	66,538	106,982
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age	39	41
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 family therapist do?

A Family Therapist works with couples and families to help ameliorate marital and family issues. They can work in hospitals, treatment programs, government agencies, health organizations, and private practices.

Behavioral analyst vs family therapist salary

Behavioral analysts and family therapists have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Behavioral Analyst	Family Therapist
Average salary	$69,468	$50,774
Salary range	Between $42,000 And $112,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	Portland, OR	Rochester, NY
Highest paying state	Alaska	Oregon
Best paying company	Therapy Source	Dignity Health
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between behavioral analyst and family therapist education

There are a few differences between a behavioral analyst and a family therapist in terms of educational background:

	Behavioral Analyst	Family Therapist
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	Northwestern University	California State University - Long Beach

Behavioral analyst vs family therapist demographics

Here are the differences between behavioral analysts' and family therapists' demographics:

	Behavioral Analyst	Family Therapist
Average age	39	41
Gender ratio	Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6%	Male, 25.8% Female, 74.2%
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, 7.0% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 13.9% Asian, 4.6% White, 68.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage	12%	6%

Differences between behavioral analyst and family therapist 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.

Family therapist example responsibilities.

Complete documentation to medicaid standards.
Create maximum billable Medicaid hours and submitting necessary paperwork for Medicaid billing.
Apply behavioral analysis instruction for a student with autism concentrating on communication, socialization, self-help skills and community skills.
Receive and process referrals from DCF and community-base case managers for individuals suspect as substance abusers.

Behavioral analyst vs family therapist skills

Common behavioral analyst skills

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

Common family therapist skills

Social Work, 27%
Patients, 6%
Rehabilitation, 4%
Community Resources, 4%
Mental Health Issues, 4%
Group Therapy, 3%

Behavioral Analyst vs. similar jobs

Behavioral Analyst related careers

Behavioral Analyst related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse community and social services jobs

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z