Many people are interested in the behavior therapist salary in 2025. Glassdoor data indicates that these mental health professionals can earn between $80,000 to $150,000 per year in Australia.
Our guide provides detailed pay rates by city, experience, and job type to assist with career planning. We’ve collected recent salary information from leading employers nationwide to present the most up-to-date figures.
Key Takeaways
- Behavior therapists in Australia earn $80,000 to $150,000 yearly in 2025, with Sydney offering the highest pay rates.
- Entry-level jobs start at $70,000, while senior roles can reach $150,000 plus benefits like health cover and super.
- Location affects pay greatly – Sydney therapists earn up to $110,000, while Hobart roles pay $65,000 to $85,000.
- Getting extra certifications like BCBA and ABA training leads to higher pay and better job options.
- Remote work is growing, with some WA-based remote roles paying up to $120,000 per year through the NDIS.
Overview of Behavior Therapist Roles in 2025
Behavior therapists in 2025 play vital roles in mental health care across Australia. These experts assist people with mental health issues, anxiety, depression, and autism. They develop treatment plans and use evidence-based methods to support their clients’ well-being.
The job market shows strong growth with 589 active listings on Glassdoor for behavior therapist positions.
The role combines direct patient care with detailed record-keeping and team collaboration. Therapists work in various settings like clinics, schools, and private practices. They spend their days conducting therapy sessions, writing progress notes, and meeting with families.
Most positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. Some jobs require additional certifications in specific therapy methods. Base salaries start at $75,000 and can reach $120,000 for senior roles.
Average Behavior Therapist Salaries in Australia
Therapists in Australia earn between $50 per hour to $120,000 per year. Base salaries start at $70,000 for entry-level positions. Senior therapists make up to $150,000 yearly. Most therapists receive health insurance, paid time off, and super contributions on top of their base pay.
Location influences pay rates. Sydney and Melbourne offer the highest salaries due to higher living costs.
Full-time therapists in private practice can earn more than those in public health. Many clinics pay bonuses based on client numbers and outcomes. Remote work options now allow therapists to serve clients Australia-wide.
The NDIS has created more jobs and increased pay rates. Most therapists are satisfied with their income growth over time. New graduates can expect $60-70k to start, while experienced practitioners often make above $100k annually.
Salary Variations by City
Salary ranges for behavior therapists differ across major Australian cities, influenced by local demand and cost of living. Recent data from TherapistSalary.com shows variations in compensation packages across key metropolitan areas.
| City | Salary Range (AUD) | Work Type | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lane Cove, Sydney NSW | 85,000 – 105,000 | Full-time | Salary packaging |
| Newcastle, NSW | 72,000 – 90,000 | Part-time | Flexible hours |
| Casula, Sydney NSW | 90,000 – 110,000 | Full-time | Health insurance |
| South Brisbane, QLD | 90,000 – 110,000 | Hybrid | Remote work options |
| Melbourne, VIC | 80,000 – 100,000 | Full-time | Professional development |
| Perth, WA | 75,000 – 95,000 | Full-time | Annual bonuses |
| Adelaide, SA | 70,000 – 90,000 | Full-time | Study leave |
| Hobart, TAS | 65,000 – 85,000 | Full-time | Career progression |
Capital cities offer higher base salaries compared to regional areas. Sydney leads with the highest pay rates, particularly in specialist roles. Brisbane presents strong opportunities with flexible work arrangements. Melbourne maintains competitive rates with extensive professional development options. Regional centres like Newcastle provide excellent part-time opportunities with competitive hourly rates.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktwuAXn5eLw
Factors Influencing Behavior Therapist Salaries
Your salary as a behavior therapist varies based on several factors. Pay increases with expertise, work location, and position type – each contributes significantly to determining your compensation.
Education and qualifications
Most behavior therapists require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counselling, or applied behavior analysis. A master’s degree provides opportunities for higher pay and senior positions in Australia.
The Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification is highly regarded for professionals in this field. Tracks Health provides BCBA-D supervision to assist therapists in obtaining this valuable credential.
Basic qualifications begin with a Certificate IV in Mental Health or Disability Support. Many clinics such as Autism Partnership offer on-the-job training for entry-level positions.
Therapists must also obtain a Working with Children Check and National Police Check. Additional certifications in specific therapy methods increase earning potential. These include Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) training and mental health first aid certificates.
Years of experience
Experience influences a behavior therapist’s earning potential in Australia. Recent graduates typically begin at $50 per hour, while experienced professionals with over 5 years in the field can earn up to $120,000 annually.
Clinical leads at organizations such as Bloom Healthcare receive the highest compensation, ranging from $110,000 to $120,000 per year.
Salary increases occur rapidly in the initial three years as therapists develop expertise working with autistic children and NDIS clients. Each year generally brings a $5,000-$10,000 increase for full-time positions.
Therapists who obtain additional certifications in applied behavior analysis or mental health support often see larger salary increases.
Job type (full-time, part-time, remote)
Job types significantly influence behavior therapist salaries in Australia. Full-time roles in Casula, Sydney NSW offer $90,000 to $110,000 yearly. Part-time positions in Newcastle pay $72,000 to $90,000 per year.
Remote jobs based in Perth WA provide the highest pay at $110,000 to $120,000 yearly.
Various work arrangements affect a therapist’s pay scale and career growth. Remote roles allow therapists to work from home while serving NDIS participants across Australia. Full-time jobs provide stable hours and benefits like paid leave and super.
Part-time work suits therapists who need work-life balance or want to build their private practice. Each job type accommodates different career goals and lifestyle needs.
Comparison Table: Salary by State and City in Australia
Behavior therapist salaries vary across Australian cities and states. Recent data from Glassdoor shows differences in pay rates between major metropolitan areas. The table below presents current salary ranges for behavior therapists across key Australian locations.
| Location | Employment Type | Salary Range | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lane Cove, Sydney NSW | Full-time | $90,000 – $105,000 | Salary packaging, 4-day work week |
| Newcastle, NSW | Part-time | $72,000 – $90,000 | Hybrid working options |
| Casula, Sydney NSW | Full-time | $90,000 – $110,000 | Standard benefits |
| South Brisbane, QLD | Full-time | $90,000 – $110,000 | Standard benefits |
| Ryde, Sydney NSW | Contract/Temporary | $30 – $32 per hour | Plus superannuation |
| Canning Vale, Perth WA | Casual/Vacation | $30 – $43 per hour | Flexible hours |
Sydney offers the highest full-time salaries for behavior therapists. Contract roles provide competitive hourly rates plus benefits. Part-time positions in regional areas like Newcastle present balanced compensation packages. Casual roles in Perth feature premium hourly rates for flexible work arrangements.
High-Paying Behavior Therapist Job Titles
Clinical Lead roles are among the highest-paying behavior therapist positions in Australia. These roles offer $105,000 to $120,000 annually at organizations such as Bloom Healthcare.
Remote work options increase the appeal of these positions. Positive Behavior Support Practitioners can earn comparable amounts, with Target Behavior Services offering $110,000 to $120,000 for remote roles.
Specialist therapist positions at private clinics also offer competitive salaries. Kids Therapy Clinics provides $90,000 to $110,000 for full-time behavior therapists. Hybrid roles, such as those at Apex care, offer similar salary ranges.
Many therapists begin in standard positions and progress to clinical lead roles for increased compensation. Board certification and additional training often result in higher salaries in these roles.
Similar Roles and Their Salaries: Insights on Play Therapist Salaries
Play therapists in Australia earn similar salaries to behavior therapists. The average base pay for play therapists is $85,000 per year. Most play therapists make between $75,000 to $95,000 annually.
Their pay varies based on location, skills, and years of practice. Major cities like Melbourne offer higher rates, with some specialists earning $50 per hour or more.
Play therapy roles share many traits with ABA therapy positions. Both focus on helping children through specialized treatment methods. Play therapists can increase their income through extra certifications and training.
Many employers, like Live Big and Hearth Support Services, offer study leave and flexible work options. These perks add value beyond the base salary. Full-time roles often include benefits such as paid leave, NFP salary packaging, and monthly RDOs.
Tips for Maximining Earnings as a Behavior Therapist
Behavior therapists can increase their income through strategic career choices and additional skills. These suggestions will assist you in earning more in your therapy career.
- Obtain additional certifications in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Mental Health First Aid to differentiate yourself from other therapists.
- Initiate private practice sessions on weekends while maintaining your primary job for consistent income.
- Pursue roles offering salary packaging and health benefits to enhance your total compensation.
- Acquire new therapy methods like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to charge higher rates.
- Develop telehealth skills to serve remote clients and expand your client base.
- Become a member of professional organizations like the Australian Psychological Association to network and discover higher-paying positions.
- Relocate to cities with higher salaries like Sydney or Melbourne where therapist wages are 15% above average.
- Concentrate on specialized areas like substance abuse or trauma therapy that offer higher compensation than general practice.
- Request travel pay and flexible hours in your employment contract.
- Develop skills in program management to advance into higher-paying director roles.
- Participate in speaking engagements at mental health conferences to enhance your profile and rates.
- Develop online therapy resources to generate passive income.
- Collaborate with insurance companies to receive consistent client referrals.
- Document your work outcomes to demonstrate value during salary reviews.
- Gain experience working with diverse cases to charge more for complex treatments.
Conclusion
Behavior therapist salaries will increase in 2025 across Australia. Job seekers can expect higher pay rates in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Your skills, education, and years of work will determine your actual salary level.
Strategic career moves and additional training can increase your earning potential quickly. TherapistSalary.com indicates that well-paying positions are available for skilled therapists who continue to develop their expertise.
FAQs
1. What is the average base salary for a behavioral therapist in 2025?
Based on recent salaries shared, behavioral therapists can expect to earn a median salary between $65,000 to $85,000. The total pay trajectory varies by location and experience level.
2. Which are the highest paying cities for behavior therapists?
Major cities offer better therapist pay, with program managers and associate directors earning more. The most likely range differs based on the work environment and required experience.
3. How can I learn about salaries for ABA therapist jobs?
You can find therapist pay anonymously on Glassdoor, which utilizes salaries collected from current therapist employees. This helps people make informed choices about their career path.
4. What training is needed to become a behavioral therapist?
Training provided includes learning about anxiety or depression, mental disorders, and applied behavior analysis. Most jobs require psychology degrees and special certifications to support individuals.
5. What career growth can I expect as a behavioral therapist?
You can grow your career from entry level to director level, meaning more pay and responsibility. Many therapists advance to develop treatment programs or manage supportive team environments.
6. What type of work does a behavioral therapist do?
Therapists help with varied caseload including children and families. They use several types of therapy like reinforcement techniques and psychological evaluation to help clients achieve their goals.
