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$10

$19

$30

How much do behavior assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior assistant in Portage, MI is $19.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a behavior assistant?

Behavior Assistants are professionals who support individuals with behavioral challenges, often in educational, clinical, or home settings. They work under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) or other qualified professionals to implement behavior intervention plans. Their responsibilities include observing clients, collecting data, reinforcing positive behaviors, and helping teach new skills. Behavior Assistants play a key role in supporting individuals with autism or other developmental disorders to improve their social, academic, and daily living skills.

How does a behavior assistant typically collaborate with Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and other team members?

Behavior Assistants work closely under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to implement individualized behavior intervention plans. They regularly communicate progress, challenges, and observations to the BCBA, who adjusts strategies as needed. Behavior Assistants also coordinate with teachers, therapists, and family members to ensure consistency in behavior management across different settings. This collaborative environment fosters professional development and allows Behavior Assistants to learn from experienced team members while supporting the client's growth.

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

To thrive as a Behavior Assistant, you need a background in psychology or education, knowledge of behavioral intervention techniques, and often a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification. Familiarity with data collection systems, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) tools, and behavior tracking software is typically required. Strong communication, patience, and teamwork skills help in building rapport with clients and collaborating effectively with therapists and families. These competencies are crucial for delivering effective interventions and supporting positive behavioral change in clients.

What is the difference between Behavior Assistant vs Behavior Technician?

AspectBehavior AssistantBehavior Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma; often requires certification (e.g., RBT)
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, or home settings working under supervisionClinics, schools, or residential settings with direct client interaction
Employer & Industry UsageEducational and healthcare organizations, ABA therapy providersABA therapy providers, healthcare facilities, educational programs
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles assisting behavior analystsSeeking detailed job responsibilities and certification info

The main difference between a Behavior Assistant and a Behavior Technician lies in their certification requirements and scope of practice. Behavior Technicians typically hold certification such as RBT and have more direct responsibilities in implementing behavior plans. Behavior Assistants often work under supervision with less formal certification, focusing on supporting Behavior Technicians and behavior analysts in various settings.

How do you become a behavior assistant?

To become a behavior assistant, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience working with children or individuals with behavioral challenges. Some positions require certification in CPR or behavior management techniques, and a background check is often necessary. Training is usually provided on the job to familiarize assistants with specific intervention strategies and tools used in behavioral support.

What cities near Portage, MI are hiring for Behavior Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portage, MI with the most Behavior Assistant job openings:

Behavior Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Behavior Assistant job openings in Portage, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,577 per year, or $20 per hour.

Behavioral Assistant

Mattawan, MI • On-site

Charles River Laboratories, Inc.
Scientific Research and Development Services • 10K+ employees

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 94 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Respectful managers

Learn more about Charles River Laboratories, Inc.external

$20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

For 75 years, Charles River employees have worked together to assist in the discovery, development and safe manufacture of new drug therapies. When you join our family, you will have a significant impact on the health and well-being of people across the globe. Whether your background is in life sciences, finance, IT, sales or another area, your skills will play an important role in the work we perform. In return, we’ll help you build a career that you can feel passionate about.

Job Overview

A Behavioral Assistant is responsible for: Preparing and distributing products of enrichment required for the treatment, care, and well-being compliance of animals, as determined by staff veterinarians. The Behavioral Assistant supports the evaluation of a test article by performing
assigned administrative functions within the guidelines/requirements outlined in a protocol or Standard Operation Procedure (SOP).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Prepare and manage the animal enrichment food and products for animals, as directed by veterinary staff, and in consultation with Behavioral Specialist.
  • Distribute enrichment food and products to animals, as directed by veterinary staff, and in consultation with the Behavioral Team.
  • Stock enrichment supplies and assist with inventory management, as directed.
  • Enrichment tasks are documented, as required, and are executed effectively, accurately, within the agreed upon timeframe, and with care for well-being of the animals.
  • Keep colleagues and internal/external customers informed and updated about enrichment food and product inventory, and that communications are respectful and effective.
  • All data must be documented accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Job Description

Education and Experience:

  • HS/GED with no experience.
  • Ability to communicate verbally and in writing at all levels inside and outside the organization.
  • Basic familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Computer skills, commensurate with Essential Functions, including the ability to learn a validated system.
  • Ability to work extended hours beyond normal work schedule to include, but not limited to evenings, weekends, extended shifts, and/or extra shifts; sometimes on short notice.
  • Ability to work under specific time constraints.
  • Must be authorized to work in the United States without a sponsor visa, now or in the future.

    The pay rate for this role is $20.00/hour.

About Safety Assessment
Charles River is committed to helping our partners expedite their preclinical drug development with exceptional safety assessment services, state-of-the-art facilities and expert regulatory guidance. From individual specialty toxicology and IND enabling studies to tailored packages and total laboratory support, our deeply experienced team can design and execute programs that anticipate challenges and avoid roadblocks for a smooth, efficient journey to market.  Each year approximately 300 investigational new drug (IND) programs are conducted in our Safety Assessment facilities.


About Charles River
Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients’ clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market.

With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in over 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client’s unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world.

At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly worked on 80% of the drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the past five years.

We’re committed to providing benefits that elevate your quality of life.  Based on your position these may include:  bonus/incentives based on performance, 401K, paid time off, stock purchase program, Health and wellness coverage, employee and family wellbeing support programs, and work life balance flexibility.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

It is unlawful in some states (including Massachusetts) to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

If you are interested in applying to Charles River Laboratories and need special assistance or an accommodation due to a disability to complete any forms or to otherwise participate in the resume submission process, please contact a member of our Human Resources team by sending an e-mail message to crrecruitment_US@crl.com. This contact is for accommodation requests for individuals with disabilities only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

For more information, please visit www.criver.com.

Charles River logo

About Charles River

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Charles River is an early-stage contract research organization (CRO). We have built upon our foundation of laboratory animal medicine and science to develop a diverse portfolio of discovery and safety assessment services, both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and non-GLP, to support clients from target identification through preclinical development. Charles River also provides a suite of products and services to support our clients' clinical laboratory testing needs and manufacturing activities. Utilizing this broad portfolio of products and services enables our clients to create a more flexible drug development model, which reduces their costs, enhances their productivity and effectiveness to increase speed to market. With over 20,000 employees within 110 facilities in 20 countries around the globe, we are strategically positioned to coordinate worldwide resources and apply multidisciplinary perspectives in resolving our client's unique challenges. Our client base includes global pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies, government agencies and hospitals and academic institutions around the world. At Charles River, we are passionate about our role in improving the quality of people's lives. Our mission, our excellent science and our strong sense of purpose guide us in all that we do, and we approach each day with the knowledge that our work helps to improve the health and well-being of many across the globe. We have proudly supported the development of 86% of the drugs approved by the FDA in 2021.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Wilmington, MA, US

Year founded

1947

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