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The differences between behavioral 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 behavioral analyst, becoming a licensed social worker takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a behavioral analyst has an average salary of $69,468, which is higher than the $57,005 average annual salary of a licensed social worker.
The top three skills for a behavioral analyst include autism, BCBA and applied behavior analysis. The most important skills for a licensed social worker are social work, patients, and home health.
| Behavioral Analyst | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Yearly salary | $69,468 | $57,005 |
| Hourly rate | $33.40 | $27.41 |
| Growth rate | 12% | 9% |
| Number of jobs | 66,538 | 66,130 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Years of experience | 6 | 2 |
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.
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.
Behavioral analysts and licensed social workers have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Behavioral Analyst | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Average salary | $69,468 | $57,005 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $112,000 | Between $41,000 And $78,000 |
| Highest paying City | Portland, OR | Sacramento, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Therapy Source | Favorite Healthcare Staffing |
| Best paying industry | Health Care | Health Care |
There are a few differences between a behavioral analyst and a licensed social worker in terms of educational background:
| Behavioral Analyst | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 65% | Bachelor's Degree, 55% |
| Most common major | Psychology | Social Work |
| Most common college | Northwestern University | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between behavioral analysts' and licensed social workers' demographics:
| Behavioral Analyst | Licensed Social Worker | |
| Average age | 39 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6% | 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% |