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Esdm Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$81K - $103K/yr

We practice play-based, ABA aligned with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), inside an integrated care center where collaboration with SLPs, OTs, psychologists, and medical providers is part of ...

Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Phoenix, AZ · Hybrid

$86K - $113K/yr

We practice play-based, ABA aligned with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), inside an integrated care center where collaboration with SLPs, OTs, psychologists, and medical providers is part of ...

Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$81K - $103K/yr

We practice play-based, ABA aligned with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), inside an integrated care center where collaboration with SLPs, OTs, psychologists, and medical providers is part of ...

Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Golden, CO · Hybrid

$81K - $103K/yr

We practice play-based, ABA aligned with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), inside an integrated care center where collaboration with SLPs, OTs, psychologists, and medical providers is part of ...

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Esdm information

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$16.5K

$89.4K

$143K

How much do esdm jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for esdm in the United States is $89,406.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $98,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) therapist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an ESDM therapist, you need a background in psychology, education, or a related field, along with specialized training or certification in the ESDM approach. Familiarity with behavior analysis tools, data collection systems, and ESDM treatment protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and effective communication are vital for engaging young children with autism and collaborating with families. These skills ensure the delivery of evidence-based interventions that support optimal developmental outcomes for children.

What are some common challenges faced by ESDM therapists when implementing individualized treatment plans?

ESDM therapists often encounter challenges such as adapting intervention strategies to fit each child's unique needs and pace of progress. Balancing structured teaching with naturalistic, play-based approaches requires flexibility and creativity. Additionally, maintaining consistent communication with families and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams is essential, but can be complex due to differing perspectives or schedules. Despite these challenges, ESDM therapists find the role rewarding as they observe meaningful developmental gains in the children they support.

What are ESDM professionals?

ESDM stands for Early Start Denver Model, and ESDM professionals are trained therapists or specialists who provide early intervention therapy for young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They use a play-based, relationship-focused approach that integrates behavioral and developmental principles to promote language, cognitive, and social skills. ESDM professionals may include psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, or special educators who have received specific training and certification in the ESDM methodology.

What is the difference between Esdm vs Speech-Language Pathologist?

AspectEsdmSpeech-Language Pathologist
CredentialsTypically requires specialized training in Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)Requires a master's degree in speech-language pathology and state licensure
Work EnvironmentPrimarily works with young children with autism in early intervention settingsWorks with individuals of all ages with speech, language, or communication disorders in clinics, schools, or hospitals
Industry UsageUsed mainly in autism early intervention programsWidely used across healthcare, education, and private practice for various communication disorders

While Esdm focuses on early intervention for children with autism using specific behavioral techniques, Speech-Language Pathologists have a broader scope, diagnosing and treating a wide range of speech and language disorders across different age groups. Both roles require specialized training, but their work environments and client populations differ significantly.

More about Esdm jobs
What cities are hiring for Esdm jobs? Cities with the most Esdm job openings:
What states have the most Esdm jobs? States with the most job openings for Esdm jobs include:
Infographic showing various Esdm job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,406 per year, or $43 per hour.
Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Soar Autism Center

Denver, CO • Hybrid

$81K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Soar Autism Center rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

At Soar Autism Center, youll join a team thats deeply committed to delivering exceptional, ethical care for young children. We practice play-based, ABA aligned with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), inside an integrated care center where collaboration with SLPs, OTs, psychologists, and medical providers is part of daily practice. If you are seeking a true clinical home where quality comes first and support is real, you have found your team.

Compensation and role design:

  • Base pay: $81,000.00 - $103,500.00/year. Annual performance bonus potential up to $3,800. Additional compensation beyond the range for achieving clinical certifications.

  • Bonus: Up to $8,000 sign on bonus, based on start date and location.

  • Caseload: 7-8 children per BCBA, designed for depth and quality of care

  • Hybrid: 1 work-from-home day per week for each BCBA, with some opportunity for 2 work-from-home days, depending on center maturity, clinical needs, and team coordination.

  • Support and training: Deep onboarding and ongoing training in our ESDM-based care model, with close clinical leadership support

  • Clinical growth: Multiple paths to grow as a clinician including center/regional leadership and specialized roles

  • Culture that lives out our Values: High Expectations that raise the bar, Collaboration that brings us together as one team, and Fun you can feel the moment you walk into our centers

Job responsibilities:

  • Design and implement individualized, naturalistic ABA for children ages 2-6 in a center-based setting

  • Collaborate with a dynamic interdisciplinary clinical team (SLP, OT, psychology, developmental pediatrics) on assessments and integrated treatment plans

  • Use ESDM-informed strategies (we provide training, ESDM experience not required)

  • Conduct standardized assessments, track progress, and adjust plans based on data

  • Partner with families through clear guidance, compassionate communication, and practical support

  • Maintain a manageable caseload focused on depth of care, not volume

Qualifications:

  • Masters degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, or a related field

  • Current BCBA certification

  • ABA early intervention experience

  • Preferred: background in Child Development, Early Childhood Education, or a related field

Additional benefits:

  • Quality medical ($0 deductible), dental, and vision plans

  • 11 company holidays + 15-20 additional paid days off

  • 401(k) with company contribution after 1 year

  • Short-term disability covered by Soar and paid maternity leave available

  • Student loan repayment assistance

  • Training and continuing education, plus support from national experts (including Laurie Vismara and other experts on our Clinical Advisory Board)

  • Weekly interdisciplinary collaboration and care meetings

  • Opportunity for an enhanced hybrid schedule in some centers (up to 2 telehealth days/week based on clinical needs and team coordination)

We are on a mission to transform autism care by putting children, families, and clinical quality first. If you want to practice high-quality ABA in a place that takes clinical standards seriously, wed love to meet you. Will you join us?
Soar Autism Center is committed to diversity and inclusion at all levels. As an equal opportunity employer, we strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or other protected characteristics.

Applications for this position will be accepted on a rolling deadline.

For Internal Tracking Only:
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