Behavioral analyst vs service counselor

The differences between behavioral analysts and service counselors 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 service counselor takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a behavioral analyst has an average salary of $69,468, which is higher than the $35,402 average annual salary of a service counselor.

The top three skills for a behavioral analyst include autism, BCBA and applied behavior analysis. The most important skills for a service counselor are social work, crisis intervention, and patients.

Behavioral analyst vs service counselor overview

	Behavioral Analyst	Service Counselor
Yearly salary	$69,468	$35,402
Hourly rate	$33.40	$17.02
Growth rate	12%	12%
Number of jobs	66,538	44,284
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age	39	43
Years of experience	6	12

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 service counselor do?

Service counselors provide guidance to couples, individuals, groups, and families who are going through issues that influence their well-being and mental health. They comprehensively approach their clients by utilizing a "wellness" model that focuses on and motivate the client's potentials. Their duties include inspiring clients to talk about their emotions and experiences, helping them determine their action plans and goals, as well as designing therapeutic methods. Also, they may refer their clients to other services or psychologists.

Behavioral analyst vs service counselor salary

Behavioral analysts and service counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Behavioral Analyst	Service Counselor
Average salary	$69,468	$35,402
Salary range	Between $42,000 And $112,000	Between $24,000 And $51,000
Highest paying City	Portland, OR	Urban Honolulu, HI
Highest paying state	Alaska	Hawaii
Best paying company	Therapy Source	Google
Best paying industry	Health Care	Education

Differences between behavioral analyst and service counselor education

There are a few differences between a behavioral analyst and a service counselor in terms of educational background:

	Behavioral Analyst	Service Counselor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 65%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common major	Psychology	Psychology
Most common college	Northwestern University	SUNY at Binghamton

Behavioral analyst vs service counselor demographics

Here are the differences between behavioral analysts' and service counselors' demographics:

	Behavioral Analyst	Service Counselor
Average age	39	43
Gender ratio	Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6%	Male, 33.3% Female, 66.7%
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, 12.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.7% Asian, 7.1% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage	12%	11%

Differences between behavioral analyst and service counselor 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.

Service counselor example responsibilities.

Develop contracting strategy to build capacity and achieve ongoing compliance with Medicare and Medicaid provider network adequacy requirements.
Implement patient financial services department to assist patients and family members to ensure successful patient representation and expeditious benefit recovery.
Examine injured persons and administer first aid or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary, using training and medical supplies and equipment.

Behavioral analyst vs service counselor skills

Common behavioral analyst skills

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

Common service counselor skills

Social Work, 16%
Crisis Intervention, 9%
Patients, 7%
Support Services, 6%
Social Services, 6%
Rehabilitation, 6%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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