Ever wondered how many hours a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA) actually works? It may seem like a straightforward 9-to-5 job, but the reality is often much more complex. Between sessions, supervision, paperwork, and parent meetings, BCBAs often find themselves juggling multiple roles throughout the week.
Let’s break down what the BCBA work schedule really looks like, from typical hours to factors that shape their workload.
A BCBA (Board Certified Behaviour Analyst) is a professional who designs and oversees behaviour intervention plans, usually for individuals with autism or other developmental disorders. They apply the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) to improve socially significant behaviours — think communication, daily living skills, and emotional regulation.
Working with Clients
BCBAs spend part of their week directly observing and working with clients. This might include conducting assessments, collecting data, and creating individualised treatment plans.
Supervising RBTs and ABA Therapists
A major part of a BCBA’s role involves supervising Registered Behaviour Technicians (RBTs) who implement treatment plans. BCBAs must ensure that therapy is effective and ethical.
Administrative and Documentation Duties
Behind every successful session is hours of documentation. Progress notes, insurance reports, data analysis — these tasks take time, often outside regular working hours.
Clinics
In clinics, BCBAs may oversee several clients daily, supervise staff, and hold parent consultations.
Schools
School-based BCBAs collaborate with teachers, conduct behavioural assessments, and support students during school hours.
Home-Based Therapy
Home-based BCBAs travel to clients’ homes, which can add commute time to their workday.
Telehealth
The rise of telehealth allows many BCBAs to offer services online, reducing travel but increasing screen time.
On paper, most BCBAs work full-time, around 35–40 hours per week. However, their actual hours can vary widely based on their caseload and work environment.
Some BCBAs work part-time, especially those balancing family life or private consulting. Others hold full-time clinic or school positions that require them to be available during regular business hours — and sometimes beyond.
Caseload Size
A BCBA managing 10 clients will naturally have a lighter workload than one managing 30.
Work Setting
Clinic-based BCBAs often have more predictable schedules, while home-based or contract-based analysts might have more variable hours.
Client Needs
Some clients require intensive therapy and frequent updates, increasing a BCBA’s time commitment.
Administrative Load
Insurance documentation and progress reports can easily stretch a BCBA’s workweek past 40 hours.
Clinical BCBAs
Many clinic-based BCBAs report working 40–50 hours per week, including supervision and paperwork.
School-Based BCBAs
Their schedules are often aligned with the school day, roughly 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., totalling 35–40 hours weekly.
Independent Contractors
Self-employed BCBAs may work 20–60 hours a week, depending on their chosen workload and number of clients.
While 40 hours sounds manageable, many BCBAs spend additional time outside work hours on documentation, data review, and parent communication. For many, a “40-hour week” means 40 billable hours — not including unpaid tasks.
Yes, especially in home-based or private practice settings. Evening and weekend sessions help accommodate working parents and school-aged clients. However, this can make achieving work-life balance tricky.
Burnout is a real concern in the ABA field. Between emotional demands and heavy caseloads, maintaining balance is essential. BCBAs who manage their time well and set clear boundaries often enjoy a healthier work-life rhythm.
The BACB (Behaviour Analyst Certification Board) requires BCBAs to provide supervision for 5% of an RBT’s total hours. For example, if an RBT works 40 hours a week, the BCBA must provide at least 2 hours of supervision.
The combination of administrative work, supervision, and high client needs can lead to long hours. Without proper boundaries, BCBAs risk burnout, impacting both their well-being and client outcomes.
