If you're searching for a BCBA position, one of the first things you'll notice is that employers typically offer either an hourly wage or a salaried position.
At first glance, salary often seems like the better deal. A guaranteed paycheck can feel more stable and predictable, while hourly positions are sometimes perceived as offering less income or fewer benefits.
But is that really true?
The answer is: it depends on how the organization is structured.
At Thrive ABA Therapy, we intentionally chose an hourly compensation model because we believe it creates a healthier work environment for our BCBAs, better supports families, and allows our business to remain financially strong for years to come.
The Benefits of a Salaried BCBA Position
There are certainly advantages to working in a salaried role.
Many BCBAs appreciate knowing exactly what their paycheck will be every pay period. Salaried positions may also include paid holidays, paid time off, health insurance, retirement benefits, and other perks that create financial stability.
For some clinicians, especially those who prefer a consistent schedule, salary can be an excellent fit.
However, the compensation structure is only one part of the equation.
The Hidden Challenge: Billable Hour Requirements
Many salaried BCBA positions come with weekly or monthly billable hour expectations.
These quotas are designed to ensure the organization generates enough insurance reimbursement to cover salaries and operating expenses.
While understandable from a business perspective, these requirements can sometimes create unintended consequences.
When BCBAs are constantly monitoring their billable hours—or being monitored by others—it can add unnecessary stress to an already demanding profession.
Instead of asking, "What does this child need today?" clinicians may find themselves wondering, "Will this count toward my billable hours?"
For many BCBAs, that pressure contributes to burnout.
It can also affect families. Appointments may feel harder to reschedule, scheduling flexibility can decrease, and decisions may sometimes be influenced by productivity targets rather than what's most convenient for the family.
Why Thrive ABA Therapy Chose an Hourly Model
At Thrive ABA Therapy, we wanted to remove as much of that pressure as possible.
That's why we chose an hourly compensation model with no weekly billable quotas.
Our BCBAs are paid for the hours they work, whether those hours involve direct therapy, parent training, treatment planning, collaboration, documentation, or other approved responsibilities.
Most importantly, they don't have someone constantly checking whether they've met an arbitrary productivity target.
Instead, they can focus on what matters most—providing high-quality, individualized care.
Hourly Doesn't Mean Lower Pay
One of the biggest misconceptions about hourly positions is that they automatically pay less.
In reality, many experienced BCBAs earn just as much—or even more—in an hourly position than they would in a salaried role.
What matters isn't whether the position is hourly or salaried. What matters is the hourly rate, the availability of consistent work, the amount of non-billable paid time, and the overall benefits package.
A well-designed hourly position can provide excellent earning potential while offering greater transparency. You know exactly how you're compensated, and you're paid for the work you perform.
Greater Flexibility
Another reason we prefer an hourly model is flexibility.
At Thrive ABA Therapy, BCBAs determine their desired schedule when they join our team. Whether someone wants part-time hours, a full-time caseload, or something in between, we work together to create a schedule that fits both the clinician's goals and the needs of the families we serve.
Life changes, and schedules sometimes need to change too. An hourly model makes it easier to adapt without the pressure of maintaining a fixed billable quota every week.
A Sustainable Business Creates Better Care
Choosing an hourly model isn't just good for clinicians—it also helps create a healthier business.
Insurance reimbursement is directly tied to services that are provided. Paying employees based on the hours they work helps ensure that compensation aligns with reimbursement, allowing the organization to remain financially stable.
A financially healthy organization can continue investing in its employees, providing excellent care to families, and growing responsibly.
Rather than creating financial strain during periods of cancellations or fluctuating schedules, this model allows us to remain sustainable while continuing to prioritize quality over quantity.
The Bottom Line
There isn't one compensation model that's right for every BCBA.
Some clinicians prefer the predictability of a salaried position, while others value the flexibility and transparency of an hourly role.
At Thrive ABA Therapy, we've found that an hourly model without billable quotas allows our BCBAs to focus on what they do best: building meaningful relationships, teaching important life skills, and supporting families without the constant pressure of meeting productivity targets.
When clinicians are less stressed, families benefit. When businesses remain financially healthy, they can continue serving their communities for years to come.
For us, that's a model worth investing in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hourly BCBAs make less money?
Not necessarily. Depending on the hourly rate, available hours, and benefits package, many hourly BCBAs earn as much as—or even more than—those in salaried positions.
Does Thrive ABA Therapy have billable hour quotas?
No. We do not require our BCBAs to meet weekly billable hour quotas. We believe clinicians should focus on providing exceptional care rather than chasing productivity numbers.
Can I work part-time?
Yes. We offer both part-time and full-time opportunities. Because our positions are hourly, it's easier to build a schedule that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Why doesn't Thrive ABA Therapy use a salaried model?
We believe our hourly approach provides greater flexibility for clinicians, reduces unnecessary pressure, and supports the long-term financial health of our organization. This creates a positive environment where both employees and families can thrive.
How can I apply for a position at Thrive ABA Therapy?
Applying to Thrive ABA Therapy is easy. Visit our careers page to get started. We require an interview, resume, and references.