Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) show up in more settings than most people expect, even within allied health. What works depends on how you like to work, how much structure you need, and where you want your career to head.
Below is a realistic look at where Registered Behavior Technicians work (not the polished version from job listings).
Private Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Clinics and Therapy Centers
For many newly certified RBTs, clinics are the first stop. These spaces are built specifically for ABA work, especially for those still building confidence after completing training and certification requirements. Therapy rooms are set up with intention, materials are easy to access, and sessions follow a predictable rhythm. Most days are divided into focused blocks, often two to four hours with a single client, which gives you time to settle into programs and see patterns emerge.
As of July 1, 2025, there are approximately 186,880 Registered Behavior Technicians globally, according to data from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). A large portion of that workforce is concentrated in clinics because they offer something especially valuable early on: control. Fewer variables, fewer surprises, and more consistency.
About 50% of ABA therapists work in private practice settings, making clinics the single largest employer of Registered Behavior Technicians nationwide in the U.S.
Clinics also tend to be collaborative. Supervising BCBAs are often nearby, other RBTs are working through similar challenges, and questions can be answered in real time instead of over a screen. You may also cross paths with speech therapists or occupational therapists, which adds different perspectives.
What clinics don’t highlight as much is how hard generalization can be. Skills that look solid in a quiet therapy room don’t always carry over at home or school. You may spend a lot of time programming for transfer and answering parent questions about why progress looks different outside the clinic.
Schedules are usually more traditional, often mirroring a standard workday. Some RBTs appreciate that stability. Others find it limiting, especially if they prefer variable hours.
- Read more: What Does a Registered Behavior Tech Do?
- Want to love where you work as a Registered Behavior Technician? Jump into Health Tech Academy’s online RBT program. In just 8 weeks, you’ll get the skills, guidance, and assurance to thrive anywhere your career takes you.
Schools and Educational Institutions
School-based work feels like a different world altogether. Classrooms are busy, schedules change without warning, and cooperation with teachers becomes just as important as clinical skills.
RBTs in schools support students through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), assist during instruction, and collect data in ways that don’t interrupt learning. You’re working where behaviors occur.
- Social skills happen during recess.
- Transitions are practiced in hallways.
Academic behaviors are addressed in real time, not in silos.
One of the biggest advantages of schools is consistency. Behavioral support becomes part of a child’s daily routine rather than something that happens a few times a week. That integration often leads to more durable outcomes.
“The real test of behavior change is whether it improves a child’s quality of life.” – Dr Mark Dixon, PhD, BCBA-D, Professor of Psychology and Behavior Analysis, Southern Illinois University
That said, schools don’t always have the resources clinics do. Dedicated therapy spaces are rare, materials can be limited, and you don’t get to control environmental variables. Time management becomes a skill you sharpen quickly as you juggle student needs, data collection, meetings, and constant schedule adjustments.
Home-Based ABA Therapy Services
Home-based therapy is growing fast, with the market expanding at a 13.87% compound annual growth rate. Families often prefer support delivered where daily life happens, and this setting allows RBTs to work directly within that reality.
There are real upsides. Parents observe sessions, learn strategies as they go, and can apply them immediately. Teaching skills in the home often leads to faster generalization, simply because you’re working in the environment where those skills are needed.
Home-based roles also tend to offer more flexibility and higher hourly pay. You’ll often have more autonomy than you would in a clinic.
The trade-off is isolation.
- You’re usually the only professional present, which means fewer quick check-ins and a heavier reliance on virtual supervision.
- Driving between clients adds up, and unpredictable home environments can derail even the best-planned sessions.
“Working in the field of applied behavior analysis can be tiring both physically and emotionally; some clients may have long learning histories of behaviors that may be challenging to overcome. It's important to appreciate small successes.” – Dr Dacia McCoy, University of Cincinnati Associate Professor and BCBA-D
Residential Treatment Facilities and Group Homes
Residential settings support individuals with more complex needs and require round-the-clock care. RBTs here work as part of larger teams and focus on skills that extend well beyond structured sessions.
Support happens throughout the day. The work often centers on independence, consistency, and long-term skill building rather than short therapy blocks.
This environment tends to attract RBTs who prefer working with adults and value deeper, longer-term relationships with clients.
Keep in mind that physical demands can be higher, shift work is common, and pay varies widely by facility.
Hospital and Medical Facility Positions
Hospitals represent a more specialized corner of ABA work. RBTs may support patients during medical stays, assist with feeding programs, or work in psychiatric units during periods of crisis.
- Medical settings come with strict protocols.
- Documentation standards are high.
- Infection control is non-negotiable.
- Communication with medical staff is constant.
- ABA work often has to adapt around medical priorities.
Pay in these environments is often higher, and the experience can be invaluable if you’re considering advanced or specialized roles later on. At the same time, sessions are frequently interrupted, and clients may be dealing with pain, fear, or confusion that limits participation. Emotional resilience is thus essential.
Community-Based Programs and Recreational Settings
Community-based roles place RBTs in real-world environments like recreation programs, day centers, or vocational training sites. The focus shifts away from clinical structure and toward participation and independence.
You might support social groups, accompany clients into the community, or help with job-related skills.
The variety appeals to RBTs who feel boxed in by traditional settings.
These roles often come with lower pay and fewer advancement opportunities. Limited funding can also mean limited resources and heavier caseloads.
Choose Your Registered Behavior Technician Setting Strategically
With 28,400+ RBT positions currently posted in the United States, and demand expected to grow between 14–22% over the next decade, options aren’t the issue. Fit is.
Ask yourself whether a setting supports how you work, how much guidance you need, and where you want to grow. Those answers matter far more than convenience or starting pay.
Finding the right fit is a lot easier when you know what you’re fitting into. Health Tech Academy’s RBT program shows how ABA plays out across settings – so you’re choosing roles with eyes open, not crossed fingers.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
- Can I Work as a Registered Behaviour Technician in Multiple Settings at the Same Time? Yes. Many RBTs split time between settings, such as clinics and home-based services, to diversify experience and maintain a steadier income.
- Which Setting Pays RBTs the Most? Medical and home-based roles often pay the highest hourly rates ($25–35+), while clinics offer more stable hours and benefits. Schools typically fall in the middle with strong time-off packages.
- Do I Need Different Training or Certifications for Different Settings? The RBT credential applies across settings, but some employers prefer experience aligned with their environment.
- How Long Should I Stay in One Setting Before Switching? Staying 12–18 months in your first role is generally recommended to build clinical ‘know-how,’ skill depth, and professional credibility.
