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Behavior Modification Assistant Jobs in California

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$15

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How much do behavior modification assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for behavior modification assistant in California is $17.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $18.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Behavior Modification Assistant, you need a background in psychology or behavioral sciences, knowledge of behavior intervention strategies, and often a relevant certification such as Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Familiarity with data collection software, behavior tracking systems, and intervention planning tools is typically required. Patience, strong communication, and empathy are vital soft skills for building rapport and effectively supporting clients. These competencies ensure effective implementation of behavior plans and foster positive client outcomes in therapeutic or educational settings.

What are some common challenges Behavior Modification Assistants face when supporting clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Behavior Modification Assistants often encounter challenges such as client resistance to change, inconsistent responses from caregivers, and managing emotionally charged situations. To address these, it's important to build strong rapport with clients, use consistent reinforcement strategies, and maintain clear communication with the interdisciplinary team. Regular training, supervision, and open collaboration with behavior analysts and family members also help ensure effective support and positive outcomes.

What are Behavior Modification Assistants?

Behavior Modification Assistants are professionals who support individuals—often children or adults with behavioral challenges—by implementing strategies designed to improve positive behaviors and reduce problematic ones. They work under the supervision of psychologists, behavior analysts, or therapists, and may assist in schools, clinics, or residential settings. Their duties often include observing behavior, recording data, assisting with interventions, and helping to reinforce behavior plans developed by licensed professionals. They play a vital role in helping clients achieve greater independence and improved quality of life. Training and qualifications can vary, but most positions require specialized training or certification in behavioral interventions.

What is the difference between Behavior Modification Assistant vs Behavior Therapist?

AspectBehavior Modification AssistantBehavior Therapist
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationMaster's degree in psychology, counseling, or related field; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentSchools, clinics, or community programs assisting with behavior plansPrivate practice, clinics, or hospitals providing therapy sessions
Employer & IndustryEducational and behavioral health organizationsHealthcare, mental health clinics, or private practices
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles or support positionsCompared for licensed, clinical roles involving therapy

The main difference is that Behavior Modification Assistants typically support behavior plans under supervision and may require less formal education, while Behavior Therapists are licensed professionals providing direct therapy with advanced degrees. Both roles work in behavioral health settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Behavior Modification Assistant jobs in California? For Behavior Modification Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Behavior Modification Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Behavior Modification Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Behavior Modification Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Behavior Modification Assistant job openings:
Behavior Modification Assistant jobs near you
Behavior & Training Coordinator

Behavior & Training Coordinator

San Diego Humane Society

San Diego, CA • On-site

$24.20 - $26.92/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

San Diego Humane Society rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

San Diego Humane Society is hiring a full-time Behavior & Training Coordinator for our Behavior team!

 

How you’ll impact our mission:

At San Diego Humane Society, we’re united by our mission to Inspire Compassion, providing hope and advancing the welfare of animals and people. Our Behavior Programs change the lives of thousands of animals who need intervention in order to become adoptable – or to stay with the families who love them. This role supports our mission by performing behavior evaluations and implementing training and enrichment programs for companion animals in the care of San Diego Humane Society.

This role delivers service at the gold standard level in alignment with the SDHS Way, to meet the needs of animals and the people who love them by leading with compassion, finding creative solutions, providing personalized care and building connections. If you’re passionate about making an impact in the animal welfare movement, we’d love to talk to you.

What’s in it for you?

At SDHS, we’re proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and commit to being a place where every person – staff, volunteer, and guest – can feel a sense of belonging. We support and invest in employees through conscious delivery of benefits and a workplace environment based on our Core Values.

As an employee you’ll enjoy:

  • Competitive pay and paid time-off (including your Birthday Day Off!)
  • Comprehensive benefits package, training and well-being programs
  • 403(b) retirement plan with 5% match after 1 year
  • Free pet adoptions, pet vaccines and spay/neuter services
  • …and so much more!

What you’ll do:

  • In cooperation with the B&T Supervisor and Manager, coordinate and perform behavior evaluations, initiate and assist with pathway planning and behavior modification for animals at assigned SDHS location and other locations as requested.
  • Participate as an active member of the B&T Leadership team. Attend scheduled meetings, participate in case reviews and outcome discussions, assist in design and implementation of behavior programs.
  • In cooperation with the B&T Leadership team, identify target areas and develop/implement behavior improvement plans and enrichment plans for animals selected for enrollment in various behavior modification programs.
  • Assist in the development of behavior and training and behavior evaluation protocols, assess and revise as appropriate. Work hands-on in providing behavior evaluations, behavior modification and environmental enrichment to in-house dogs, cats, and other animals.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of training programs for staff trainers, behavior modification staff, volunteers, and members of other departments involved in implementing behavior and training plans and environmental enrichment activities with in-house animals.

What we’re looking for:

  • High school diploma or equivalent required; AA or Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
  • Must have at minimum two (2) years of full time progressively responsible related experience or any equivalent combination of education and experience working in the area of animal behavior. Clicker training experience and knowledge of both canine and feline behavior is required.
  • Experience teaching group training classes and providing individual training/consultations is required. 
  • CPDT-KA certification or equivalent highly preferred or ability to obtain certification within one year of hire (ABCDT, KPA, IAABC, Nose Works certification, Dog Trainer Academy, LLA, etc.).
  • Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspect of work in an animal shelter environment, including the use of euthanasia.
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and be approved by SDHS insurance carrier to drive a company or personal vehicle for work purposes.

We are seeking candidates who enjoy hands-on work with animals and are committed to our Behavior Program goals:

  • Increase quality of life by meeting the essential needs of each animal, regardless of ultimate pathway, by using the Five Freedoms and Five Domains framework.
  • Increase adoptability and live outcomes by providing behavioral intervention to animals in need and facilitating transitions into new environments.
  • Decrease public safety risks through a comprehensive evaluation process and community education.
  • Increase community resources by creating and distributing credible information and tools to solve behavior challenges.
  • Decrease shelter intake by providing staff, volunteers and the community with ongoing support and resources.

Location & Hours: Based at our San Diego Campus. This position works 40 hours per week.


Pay: Starting range is between $25.25– $26.92 per hour.

The listed hiring range for this position depicts the target range of pay rates for candidates. The maximum of the hiring range is reserved for candidates with the highest qualifications and relevant experience. Compensation for internal candidates may increase beyond the listed range based on performance over time. For all candidates, the actual starting pay rate is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to your years of related education and experience, internal pay equity, and position location.

To learn more about our benefits and perks, click here.

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