ABA Practice | Josh Blicker
Starting an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) company is an exciting venture, especially given the increasing demand for autism services. However, one of the first questions that most aspiring ABA business owners ask is, "How much does it cost to start an ABA company?" The costs involved in opening a new ABA practice vary significantly depending on factors like location, scale, and service offerings. In this article, we’ll break down the main expenses and help you navigate your budgetary planning so you can launch your company successfully.
The cost to start an ABA company can range from $10,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on factors like location, office space, and initial staffing. Key expenses include licensing, insurance, equipment, office rental, and employee salaries.
Several factors contribute to the overall cost of starting an ABA company. From office space to staffing, your budget needs to account for these variables.
The cost of office space is one of the most significant expenses for your new ABA company. Urban areas typically have higher rent than rural locations. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 and $5,000 per month for a small office space. If you're planning to offer in-home therapy, this expense may be lower, but you will need to account for transportation costs.
Each state has its own licensing requirements for ABA providers, which can vary in cost and time. Typically, the process to become a licensed behavior analyst or provider can take several months and costs range from $500 to $3,000, depending on the state. For a company, you’ll need to consider both licensing fees and any accreditation needed, which may cost an additional $2,000 to $10,000.
Insurance is another necessary expense. ABA businesses often require general liability, professional liability, and worker’s compensation insurance. Costs can range from $1,000 to $5,000 annually, depending on your company size. Additionally, you may need legal services to help with contracts, employee agreements, and other foundational business documents.
Starting an ABA company requires investing in various office supplies and specialized equipment for therapy sessions, such as sensory equipment, data collection tools, and therapy materials. Additionally, software to track progress and manage client data can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 annually.
One of the largest and most ongoing costs for any ABA business is staffing. As you build your company, it’s crucial to hire qualified personnel who can deliver high-quality therapy.
BCBAs are highly trained professionals who supervise ABA therapy services. Depending on the region, the salary for a BCBA can range from $60,000 to $100,000 per year. If you hire more BCBAs, this cost can add up quickly.
RBTs are the therapists who work directly with clients under the supervision of BCBAs. RBT salaries typically range from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, though this can vary based on experience and location. You'll likely need to hire multiple RBTs to provide in-home therapy and other services.
Your ABA company will also require administrative support, such as receptionists, office managers, and billing specialists. These salaries generally range from $30,000 to $50,000 per year, depending on the role and location.
Once you’ve got the basics covered, you need to think about how to attract ABA therapy clients. Marketing is an essential part of your start-up plan. What are the marketing costs involved in starting an ABA company? Effective marketing is vital to raising awareness of your services and building a steady client base.
Your website will serve as the hub for potential clients to learn more about your services and book consultations. Basic website development can cost $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the complexity and design.
ABA therapy SEO, social media marketing, and paid advertising can help increase your visibility. An ABA therapy marketing agency, such as CMG, can assist with targeted campaigns using Google Ads and Facebook Ads. This can help drive local traffic and position your company as a trusted provider.
In the early stages, local advertising can help build a client base. Costs for print ads, direct mail, and networking events can range from $500 to $5,000 depending on your marketing strategy.
Aside from the initial start-up costs, your ABA company will also have ongoing operational expenses. These can include:
As your business grows, you’ll need to account for the payroll of both therapy staff and administrative workers. Payroll costs can easily surpass $10,000 to $20,000 per month depending on your staff size and service offerings.
Maintaining a high standard of care means investing in the professional development of your staff. Expect to allocate $1,000 to $5,000 annually for BCBA and RBT training and certifications.
Once your company is up and running, you'll have regular maintenance costs for office equipment, therapy tools, and software. These costs can range from $500 to $2,000 annually depending on the size and scope of your business.
Starting an ABA company requires a significant financial investment. However, the rewards can be substantial, especially as the demand for quality autism services continues to rise. By investing in the right staff, office space, and ABA therapy marketing plan, you set the foundation for a successful, sustainable business that can grow over time.
Once you’ve got your ABA company up and running, it's time to focus on growth. CMG, a leading healthcare marketing agency, specializes in helping ABA service providers like you attract more clients and achieve predictable, profitable business growth. Our expert strategies, including SEO, Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and CRO, will elevate your online presence and ensure your ABA practice thrives.
Ready to take your ABA business to the next level? Book a FREE strategy call today to get started.
