What Jobs Can a BCBA Get? Exploring Career Paths Beyond Autism Services
“You're not deficient - you have a unique advantage.”
What Jobs Can a BCBA Get? Exploring Career Paths Beyond Autism Services
You might think that BCBAs (Board Certified Behavior Analysts) only work with autistic individuals—and that’s a fair assumption. In fact, as of 2025, a staggering 82% of BCBAs operate in the autism space. But what about the other 18%? The truth is, behavior analysis is a versatile science, and if you're a BCBA looking to branch out, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you. 🔥
Expanding Your Scope: The BCBA Advantage
Many BCBAs worry that stepping outside of clinical practice means they’ll have to start from scratch, learning an entirely new skill set. But here’s the good news: You’re not deficient—you have a unique advantage! Behavior change is universal, and your expertise can be applied in a variety of fields beyond autism therapy. Your ability to analyze, modify, and shape behavior is an asset in any industry. 🙌
Industries That Need Your Behavior Analytic Skills
If you’re ready to explore new career paths, consider these fields where BCBAs are making their impact:
1. Organizational Behavior Management (OBM)
BCBAs in OBM focus on improving workplace performance, employee engagement, and company culture. This field applies behavior principles to leadership, motivation, and productivity. You could work as an internal consultant for a company or start your own OBM consulting business! 👩🏻💻
2. Marketing & Consumer Behavior
Did you know that behavior analysis plays a crucial role in marketing? Companies rely on data-driven strategies to understand customer behavior, improve advertising effectiveness, and enhance user experience. Your skills in analyzing reinforcement, shaping behaviors, and measuring outcomes make you a valuable asset in this space.✨
3. Performance Management & Coaching
Whether it's executive coaching, sales performance, or leadership, BCBAs help individuals and teams reach their goals using behavior modification techniques. This is a great option if you love working one-on-one with clients but want to shift away from clinical work. 🏆
4. Health & Wellness Coaching
Health and wellness coaching is a growing field where BCBAs can apply behavior analysis to help individuals develop sustainable habits, improve their physical and mental well-being, and achieve long-term health goals. Whether working with clients on weight management, stress reduction, or fitness motivation, this career path allows you to make a direct impact on people’s lives while promoting overall wellness.
5. Operations & Process Improvement
Efficiency and systems improvement are key in any business. BCBAs who enjoy data analysis and problem-solving can work in operations, helping organizations streamline processes, reduce errors, and increase productivity.
6. Education & Instructional Design
Beyond working in special education, BCBAs can contribute to curriculum development, training programs, and instructional design for schools, corporations, and e-learning platforms. Your expertise in reinforcement and shaping learning behaviors can enhance education. 🎓
7. Entrepreneurship & Consulting
Want to be your own boss? Many BCBAs start their own consulting businesses, offering services in OBM, leadership training, marketing, or other areas where behavior analysis is valuable. This path gives you flexibility and the ability to design your ideal career. 🐝
How to Start Crafting Your Next Career Move
If you’re ready to transition into a new field, here’s how to start:
Identify Your Interests: Which industries excite you the most?
Network with Professionals: Connect with BCBAs who’ve successfully made the shift.
Gain Applied Experience: Volunteer, shadow, or take on small projects to build credibility.
Invest in Continued Learning: Take courses, read industry-specific research, and expand your knowledge.
Leverage Your Skills: Frame your BCBA experience as a strength, not a limitation.
You’re Not Starting Over—You’re Leveling Up!
Stepping outside of clinical practice doesn’t mean you’re leaving behavior analysis behind—it means you’re applying it in new and exciting ways. The demand for behavior change expertise extends far beyond autism therapy. So go ahead and explore your next big career move. You’ve got this! 🫶🏼
