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Behavior Aide Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

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Behavior Aide information

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$7

$11

$15

How much do behavior aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior aide in Florida is $11.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $10.34 and $12.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is being a BHT a stressful job?

Being a Behavior Aide (BHT) can be stressful due to the demanding nature of working with individuals with behavioral or developmental challenges. The role often requires patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to handle challenging behaviors in a fast-paced environment. Stress levels can vary based on work setting, support systems, and individual resilience.

What skills do you need to be a behavioral specialist?

Behavioral specialists need strong communication and observational skills to assess and address behavioral issues effectively. They should have knowledge of behavioral theories, patience, and the ability to develop and implement behavior intervention plans, often requiring relevant certifications or training in behavior analysis. Working with diverse populations also demands empathy and adaptability.

What are some common challenges Behavior Aides face when supporting students with behavioral needs in school settings?

Behavior Aides often encounter challenges such as managing disruptive behaviors while maintaining a positive learning environment, adapting strategies to meet individual student needs, and balancing support between multiple students or classrooms. Effective communication with teachers, special education staff, and families is crucial for consistent behavior management. Flexibility, patience, and ongoing professional development help Behavior Aides address these challenges and make a meaningful impact on student progress.

What are behavior aides?

Behavior aides are professionals who support individuals, often children or students, with behavioral challenges or special needs. They work under the guidance of teachers, therapists, or behavior analysts to implement behavior intervention plans, promote positive behaviors, and help clients develop social and coping skills. Behavior aides may work in schools, clinics, or community settings, and play a key role in helping individuals succeed academically and socially. Their responsibilities include observing behaviors, recording data, and providing one-on-one assistance as needed.

What is the difference between Behavior Aide vs Behavior Technician?

AspectBehavior AideBehavior Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications preferredHigh school diploma; often requires certification like RBT (Registered Behavior Technician)
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, or home settings assisting with behavioral supportSimilar settings, working directly with individuals with developmental or behavioral challenges
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and healthcare organizationsBehavioral health agencies, clinics, and schools
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles in behavioral supportMore specialized with certification requirements

Behavior Aides and Behavior Technicians both work in behavioral support environments, assisting individuals with developmental or behavioral needs. The main difference lies in certification requirements, with Behavior Technicians typically needing certification like RBT. Both roles are vital in educational and healthcare settings, but Behavior Technicians often have more specialized training and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Behavior Aide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Behavior Aide, you generally need knowledge of behavioral intervention techniques, a high school diploma or higher, and experience working with individuals with behavioral challenges. Familiarity with data collection software, behavior tracking tools, and sometimes certification in crisis intervention or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is often required. Patience, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for building trust and effectively supporting clients. These skills ensure that Behavior Aides can implement behavior plans effectively, maintain safety, and contribute positively to clients' development.

What is the highest paying job in behavioral health?

In behavioral health, licensed clinical psychologists and psychiatrists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures annually. These roles require advanced degrees, licensure, and specialized training, and they typically work in clinical or hospital settings. Other high-paying positions include behavioral health directors and psychiatric nurse practitioners.

How to become a behavioral health aide?

To become a behavioral health aide, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may pursue relevant training or certification in mental health or behavioral support. Some positions require experience working with individuals with behavioral or developmental challenges, and strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. Certification programs are often available through community colleges or healthcare organizations to enhance job prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Behavior jobs in Florida? The most popular types of Behavior jobs in Florida are:
What cities in Florida are hiring for Behavior Aide jobs? Cities in Florida with the most Behavior Aide job openings:
Infographic showing various Behavior Aide job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $24,086 per year, or $11.6 per hour.

$23K - $24K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


School District of Manatee County rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

423rd of 619 rated elementary and secondary schools


Job description

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MANATEE COUNTY
Local Title: ONE-ON-ONE ESE TEACHER AIDE
State Title: Paraprofessional, ESE Ages 6-21
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB GOAL:
To assist students in reaching their maximum potential.
QUALIFICATIONS:
  1. High school diploma or equivalent and passing of paraprofessional test or a minimum of 60 college credit hours from an accredited institution.
  2. Eagerness to assist children in the learning process.
  3. Must be at least 21 years of age.
  4. Ability to complete and maintain PCM (Professional Crisis Management) and/or ACTT (Aggression Control Techniques Training) certification.
  5. Willing to be moved as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of child growth and development. Some understanding of various exceptionalities. Possess good organizational skills. Ability to prioritize functions and manage time wisely. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
REPORTS TO:
Exceptional Student Education Supervisor
SUPERVISES:
N/A
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
  1. Assist in the supervision of students on campus as well as in the classroom.
  2. Conduct one-on-one instruction under the supervision of the ESE teacher.
  3. Act as a consistent member of the ESE instructional team with designated responsibilities for staffings, IEP reviews team planning.
  4. Assist in student self-help activities - toileting, changing, feeding, cleanliness and grooming. Encourage self- management.
  5. Assist medically complex students, as needed, by lifting, transferring, and/or positioning to facilitate educational activities and good health.
  6. As trained by the School Nurse, carry out specialized medical procedures such as catheterization, gastrostomy feeding, administer and record medications. Document care provided as instructed. Implement OT and PT prescriptions as directed by therapists.
  7. Implement a structured behavior management system under the direction of the ESE teacher, Behavioral Specialist, or Behavior Aide.
  8. Supervise ESE students pertaining to safety, i.e., bus duty, playground, group supervision, transfer from one location to another.
  9. Assist in specialized functions such as Interpreters for the Deaf, facilitating mainstreaming by accompanying ESE students to regular classes.
  10. Develop specialized instructional materials on a daily basis under the direction of the ESE teacher.
  11. Carry out daily housekeeping activities within the classroom.
  12. Assist with class / student projects.
  13. Assist with the distribution of report cards and other reports to parents.
  14. Demonstrate initiative in the performance of assigned responsibilities.
  15. Provide for a safe and secure workplace.
  16. Model and maintain high ethical standards.
  17. Follow attendance, punctuality and proper dress rules.
  18. Maintain confidentiality regarding school matters.
  19. Maintain positive relationships with staff, parents and students.
  20. Participate in workshops and training sessions as required.
  21. Keep supervisor informed of potential problems or unusual events.
  22. Respond to inquiries or concerns in a timely manner.
  23. Prepare all required reports and maintain all appropriate records.
  24. Follow all School Board policies, rules and regulations.
  25. Exhibit interpersonal skills to work as an effective team member.
  26. Demonstrate support for the School District and its goals and priorities.
  27. Perform other incidental tasks consistent with the goals and objectives of this position.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force as needed to move or position students.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Salary and benefits shall be paid in accordance with the agreement negotiated between the Manatee Education Association (MEA) and the School Board of Manatee County. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District and MEA.
EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the agreement negotiated between the MEA and the School Board of Manatee County.
Board approved:
06/13/2011
Revised:
05/22/2018
SALARY SCHEDULE: PARAPROFESSIONAL
PAY GRADE: TA6
SHORT TITLE: ESE164
STATE JOB CODE: 52055
Pay Scale
Negotiated Salary Range : $23,963 - $24,458

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