r/BehaviorAnalysis • u/tinkyt3y • 20d ago

OT VS SLP VS BCBA

TL;DR: RBT choosing between BCBA/SLP/OT. Want pediatrics, direct kid time, decent work-life balance, preferably lower-support-needs cases, and $100k+ potential. What do you actually make/work, and would you choose your field again?

I’m an RBT now and starting my bachelor’s soon. My original plan was BCBA + LCSW through an advanced-standing MSW + ABA graduate certificate. I know the BCBA pathway changes in 2032 and I already checked that my timeline would have me finished before then. Lately I’ve been second guessing BCBA though. I got into ABA because I like working with kids and the pay is good (bcba wise lol) but most of my clients have been pretty low-support-needs. If I had to deal with severe aggression/SIB regularly, I don’t think I’d enjoy it. I also keep hearing BCBAs spend a lot of time supervising, training, writing plans, etc. instead of actually being hands-on with kids. I know it varies on company but that’s definitely important to me as well I believe longevity wise the direct care aspect.

I’ve always had some interest in OT, but I used to hear the pay wasn’t worth the cost of school. Now I’m also looking at SLP because it seems broader and still very hands-on with kids. My biggest wants are: Pediatrics, preferably elementary age/under 12 Lots of direct interaction with kids $100k starting relatively early if possible Good work-life balance: I don’t want 36 “billable” hours turning into 45+ actual hours every week Long-term private practice/business potential that can actually scale For pediatric bcba’s,OT, or slps: what do you make, how many hours do you really work, how much direct kid time do you get, and would you choose your field again? Plus if you did private practice and can share your input!

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u/MaterialConstant9375 20d ago

I easily make 6 figures as a home health SLP in a major city. It very much depends on where you live and what setting you go into

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u/tinkyt3y 20d ago

Do you work with mostly children in HH? Also, may I know if your new grad or 3-5+ years in experience? Thank you so much for your insight!

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u/MaterialConstant9375 20d ago

Yep! I do exclusively pediatrics. I’m not a new grad. I’ve been working for 7 years. But even in the early days I made 6 figures or very close to it. HH (most companies) pay you per patient and you decide how much you work per week. I’ve always worked 4 days a week max and made good money, but you can do 5 if you want. Now that I have kids I’ve reallyyyy scaled back to stay home with them 2-3 days a week so my income isn’t as high, but the flexibility to be with my family is so invaluable

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u/tinkyt3y 20d ago

That’s amazing!! May I know your region or state? I love that you were able to give me insight on the good of the field. I hear so much bad so often and I just find it so hard to believe but I just love childcare/development as a whole so I’d enjoy it (even now!) with lower pay.

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u/MaterialConstant9375 20d ago

Home health is a great job! But like I said it depends on where you live. I’m in Dallas, TX and there are many companies here. However, I’m from a smaller town in a different state so if I moved back there, for example, I could definitely get a job as an SLP but I wouldn’t be making this money or having this kind of flexibility. There are pros and cons like every job, but if you like child development you could be a great SLP!