Step Forward ABA logo
Step Forward ABA
Chicago, Illinois

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

BCBAFull-Time

Listed compensation

$75k-$115k

The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed

Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.

Posted 1mo ago · Verified live

Job Description

Step Forward in Your Career: Board Certified Behavior Analyst

At Step Forward ABA, we're on a mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with Autism. We believe that every client deserves the opportunity to thrive, and we're looking for passionate and dedicated professionals to join our team. As a BCBA with our organization, you'll have the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of our clients and their families.

Your Dream Job Awaits

Are you a motivated and ambitious BCBA looking for a new challenge? Do you want to be part of a dynamic team that is passionate about empowering individuals with Autism? Do you want to work in a supportive and inclusive environment that values collaboration and professional growth? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and oversee individualized treatment plans for clients, including creating and maintaining treatment plans, monitoring progress through data collection and record maintenance, and conducting assessments.

Provide clinical supervision to BTs, BCaBAs, and LABA’s, including performing competency assessments and providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality services.

Deliver direct services to clients of all ages and abilities, providing optional services that are comprehensive, ethical, and tailored to individual needs.

Communicate and coordinate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including clients, parents, staff, outside professionals, and other therapists.

Demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills, including self-managing schedules, maintaining accurate client records, preparing concise reports, and working independently within established guidelines.

Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals in a respectful manner, providing and receiving feedback to enhance skills and knowledge.

Engage in ongoing professional development, seeking guidance from senior-level staff to stay current with best practices and research in the field.

  • Perform other duties as assigned, including initial assessments, client intakes, and special projects.
  • Minimum billable hours: 25 hours per week

Pay Ranges Based on Experience & Education

$75,000–$115,000

Benefits

  • 401(k) matching
  • Health/Dental/Vision
  • Flexible schedule
  • 120 hours PTO
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Tuition discount
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Staff appreciation events

Qualifications

Master's degree or national equivalent in Psychology, Special Education, Applied Behavior Analysis, or a related field.

Valid BCBA certification and licensure as a Licensed Behavior Analyst in good standing with the relevant state.

Minimum 2 years of experience working with individuals with special needs across various age groups (children, adolescents, and adults).

  • Eligibility to participate in all private and federally funded insurance programs.
  • Reliable transportation and willingness to travel.
  • Pass a national background check.
  • Credentialed with Medicaid. (Preferred)
  • Credentialed with Tri-Care. (Preferred)
  • Certification in PCM, Safety Care, or CPI. (Preferred)
  • CPR and BLS certification. (Preferred)
  • Bilingual (Preferred)
  • Join Our Caring, Team-Oriented Culture!
  • If you're eager to make a difference in the lives of children with developmental disabilities, we want to hear from you!
  • Apply today to become a part of our dynamic team and start unlocking potential!

Qualifications

Education
Master's degree (postgraduate degree)
Experience
2+ years of experience

Certifications

BLS (preferred)Board Certification

Key Skills

Treatment planningBehavior assessmentCommunicationCase managementAutism spectrum disorder supportRecord keepingInterdisciplinary collaboration

Applied Behavior Analysis Career Context

In Illinois, the Applied Behavior Analysis weighted monthly median benchmark on WeekdayDoc is ~$84k (81 salary observations; 213 listings), vs ~$92k nationally (1,395 salary observations; 4,936 listings). Monthly aggregates cover 2026-02-01 through 2026-10-01; these are not the modal's selected comparable-job medians.

Of the 50 active Applied Behavior Analysis listings this role was benchmarked against, 56% are remote, 28% have no call, 74% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Illinois is 100.0 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$95k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $95k in an average-cost state. 62.6% of Illinois clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Behavior Analyst Jobs

40 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution40 jobs · 14 employers

7
<$105k
10
$105k-115k
18
$115k-125k
4
$125k-135k
1
$145k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks38 jobs · 14 employers

401k / retirement match
97% this job
CME allowance
89%
Sign-on bonus
79%
Loan repayment
50%
Relocation assistance
39%

Share of similar jobs offering each benefit

#1

Lead BCBA - Board Certified Behavior Analyst - Columbia, MD

Verbal Beginnings · Columbia, Maryland

$105k–$145k
#2

Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Action Behavior Centers · La Porte, Texas

$93k-$127k
#3

BCBA Clinical Director

up to $127,000
#4

Sr. Behavior Analyst (BCBA) - Hybrid

Starting at $105,000
+ 38 more · ranked by pay

Work-life snapshot

median 5.1this job 2.8
Better work-life than 20% of Applied Behavior Analysis listings

Listing-based score, 0–10, across 2,648 comparable listings. Shaded area = the share scoring below this one.

Living in Chicago

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$356k≈ 4.7× annual pay
Typical market rent
$2,342/mo≈ 37% of gross pay
Residents’ average commute
33 min
State income tax
Up to 5%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

Ratios use this listing’s gross annual pay. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

Step Forward ABA logo

About Step Forward ABA

Mental Health Care
Florida, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Virginia ,North Carolina ,Washington, Oregon, Texas
51-200 employees

Benefits & Perks

401(k) matching
Health/Dental/Vision
Flexible schedule
120 hours PTO
Professional development assistance
Referral program
Tuition discount
Mileage reimbursement