When you start a new position for an ABA company, your beginning salary can define how much more or less you’ll be paid in the future. And as a highly-qualified BCBA, you deserve to get paid what you’re worth. But that’s not all—the key to loving your job is feeling valued, and your salary and benefits reflect that. 

Negotiating a job offer with a potential employer is intimidating, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can effectively and respectfully negotiate the opportunity.

The key is to be honest and appreciative at every step of the interview and negotiation process. Negotiating for a higher salary or better benefits will almost never cost you a job. In fact, it shows the employer that you’re serious about pursuing this opportunity. 

Our team at PsycTalent has guided many BCBA candidates like you through the interview and negotiation process. We’ve compiled a few things we like to tell our candidates when they receive a job offer. Use this guide and walk into every negotiation with confidence and professionalism. 

When to Negotiate

You might assume that negotiations would begin when you receive the actual offer. However, you should start earlier than that. Here’s what to do at each step of the interview process: 

• When you apply. Most job descriptions on job websites will post a salary range and benefits. For example, our PsycTalent job listings almost always include base salaries or ranges. Review these carefully before going into your interview. 
• During your interview. We recommend discussing your expected salary and benefits at your interview. Be honest about what you want. This sets expectations for both you and your employer. 
• When you receive a job offer. When you receive an offer, you still have the freedom to negotiate within reason.

Negotiating Your Salary

Discuss salary early in the interview process. Start by confirming that the salary range on the application page is accurate. Sometimes job sites like Indeed or LinkedIn post estimated ranges if the employer doesn’t provide one. It’s good practice to confirm that this is accurate.

It’s also appropriate to ask what factors go into determining a pay range. The employer could set these based on educational degrees, qualifications, certifications, or experience working as a BCBA. This information will help you determine how to counter, should you choose to negotiate your salary. 

Outside of the interview process, do your own research to gain an understanding of a fair salary. Explore what other BCBAs with your level of experience get paid by talking with others in your professional network. 

Method of Communication

It’s important to negotiate face-to-face, not over email. That way, you express your excitement for the position and also ensure that you don’t come across as demanding or heavy-handed. You’d be surprised at how much your likability factor plays into your hireability. 

Remember to be honest but appreciative. Talking about money gets awkward, but if you do so with professionalism and respect, you’ll get the best outcome.

What to Negotiate

Now that you know when to negotiate, you can prepare for what benefits you’d like to discuss with your potential employer. It might seem like money is the obvious thing to negotiate when considering a BCBA position. However, keep other benefits in mind, including: 

• Professional development opportunities. 
• Paid time off. 
• Sign on bonus.
• Tuition reimbursement. 
• Continuing education allowance. 

There’s so much to consider when exploring your possibilities as a BCBA. It’s possible to get burned out easily if the organization doesn’t offer good work-life balance or the culture isn’t a good fit for you. When you negotiate a job offer, don’t just think about salary or benefits. Also consider whether the position fits your idea of what a healthy work environment looks like for you.

Paid Time Off

PTO is one of the most straightforward benefits to negotiate. Employers typically provide new employees about two or three  weeks of PTO. If you want more than what you’re offered, take time to understand the employer’s PTO policy. For example, they may only provide more PTO if you’ve been with the organization for a certain number of years. Based on your experience in the field, you might be able to negotiate for more. However and whatever you choose to negotiate, always be respectful of the employer’s policies and appreciative of the information they provide. 

Remember, this is not just a conversation between you and a human resources director. This is a three-way communication between you, the director, and the pay system already in place at the organization. You may have pay or benefits requests that the director cannot honor because of their organizational standards. It’s up to you to determine whether or not that’s a deal-breaker for pursuing that position.

How to Negotiate Your Job Offer

Negotiating your job offer is a win-win situation, both for you and the employer: you get paid what you’re worth, and they get a quality employee who will serve them for years to come. That’s why it’s important to go into a negotiation with an appreciative attitude.

In order to be respectful of your prospective employer and their offer, it’s typically a rule of thumb to ask for no more than 10% of the offered salary. Unless you received a much higher offer from another employer, 10% over the offer is about as high as you should go when asking for a higher salary. 

As a BCBA, you might be interviewing with multiple companies and may even juggle multiple job opportunities. Let your prospective employers know this—they know that the BCBA job market is highly competitive, and they will understand. Not only is this respectful of their time, this will also speed up the hiring process and create a sense of urgency—they won’t want to lose you to another company! 

When negotiating your salary after receiving the job offer, be honest about your expectations. It’s rare to be turned down if you ask for more money, especially if you are professional and respectful of the employer and their organization. 

Other Types of Incentives

Potential employers might have other incentives for hew hires, such as: 

• Sign-on bonuses: A one-time bonus for signing the contract and accepting the position. 
• Retention bonuses: A one-time bonus if you accept the position and remain employed there for a certain period of time. 
• Relocation stipend: If this new job requires you to move, the organization may give a stipend for travel expenses or closing costs on a new home. 

Employers are often more willing to provide other incentives than provide a higher salary. If they are willing to raise your salary, they will probably give you something between their initial offer and your proposal. Feel free to suggest a counter-proposal to their new offer, all while expressing your appreciation for their time and consideration. You’re showing them that you’re excited about this position and willing to work with them to create a win-win situation. 

Accepting the Job

After negotiating, you should accept as soon as possible when you come to an agreement. You can always ask for more time if you need it. Employers typically allow anywhere from two business days to a week before a signed offer letter is due. Take the time you need to consider, and don’t be afraid to ask for a few more days if you need it—let the employer know you are seriously considering the position. 

When you’re ready, it’s best to set up a Zoom meeting or phone call with the employer to accept. Sometimes, however, they will email you a PDF to sign electronically. We still recommend you reach out to personally accept the position. This shows your new employer that you’re excited about the position and ready to get started. 

After you’ve accepted the position, give notice to your current employer. Then, throw a party celebrating your brand new BCBA job and get ready to succeed in doing what you love! 

Negotiate With Confidence

Don’t let the intimidation of talking about your salary prevent you from pursuing your dream job. With these tactics, you can negotiate like a pro and find the job that fits you and your talents. If you have other questions about negotiating your job offer or other aspects of your job search, schedule a call with one of PsycTalent’s certified career guides.