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Behavioral interventionist vs child life specialist

The differences between behavioral interventionists and child life 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 interventionist, becoming a child life specialist takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a child life specialist has an average salary of $55,201, which is higher than the $39,259 average annual salary of a behavioral interventionist.

The top three skills for a behavioral interventionist include autism, behavior analysis and ABA. The most important skills for a child life specialist are patients, child development, and patient care.

Behavioral interventionist vs child life specialist overview

Behavioral InterventionistChild Life Specialist
Yearly salary$39,259$55,201
Hourly rate$18.87$26.54
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs67,05990,517
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Average age3943
Years of experience612

Behavioral interventionist vs child life specialist salary

Behavioral interventionists and child life specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Behavioral InterventionistChild Life Specialist
Average salary$39,259$55,201
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $51,000Between $31,000 And $96,000
Highest paying CityHattiesburg, MSSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateAlaskaCalifornia
Best paying companyChildren's Hospital of PhiladelphiaL.E.K. Consulting
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between behavioral interventionist and child life specialist education

There are a few differences between a behavioral interventionist and a child life specialist in terms of educational background:

Behavioral InterventionistChild Life Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 72%Bachelor's Degree, 67%
Most common majorPsychologyPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachNorthwestern University

Behavioral interventionist vs child life specialist demographics

Here are the differences between behavioral interventionists' and child life specialists' demographics:

Behavioral InterventionistChild Life Specialist
Average age3943
Gender ratioMale, 28.3% Female, 71.7%Male, 24.9% Female, 75.1%
Race ratioBlack 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, 10.2% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 7.0% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%
LGBT Percentage12%11%

Differences between behavioral interventionist and child life specialist duties and responsibilities

Behavioral interventionist example responsibilities.

  • Implement evidence-base educational and clinical treatment to students with autism spectrum disorders and/or other relate developmental disabilities.
  • Attend monthly clinic meetings to report recent progress to BCBA.
  • Job responsibilities include carrying out clients plan as directed by BCBA.
  • Redirect, reassure student, implement IEP behavioral objectives and assist student in meeting IEP goals.
  • Create program plans and IEP's specific to each individuals needs in order to maximize potential.
  • Carry out appropriate CPI strategies when need to assure the safety of students both inside and outside of the classroom.
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Child life specialist example responsibilities.

  • Observe activities and respond accordingly including emergency situations such as evacuation, CPR, or first aid.
  • Experience working with kids diagnose with bipolar, schizophrenia, autism, ADHD, depression among other disorders.
  • Provide valuable technical assistance to early childhood educators seeking resources on developing quality childcare environment.
  • Detail knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid programs.
  • Compile monthly statistical data on ADL caseload progress.
  • Exhibit patience, care, and compassion towards others.
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Behavioral interventionist vs child life specialist skills

Common behavioral interventionist skills
  • Autism, 15%
  • Behavior Analysis, 14%
  • ABA, 14%
  • Applied Behavior Analysis, 7%
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder, 6%
  • Behavioral Therapy, 5%
Common child life specialist skills
  • Patients, 25%
  • Child Development, 9%
  • Patient Care, 9%
  • Child Life Services, 5%
  • Social Work, 5%
  • CCLS, 4%

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