What Does an RBT Do? Essential Daily Responsibilities & Ultimate Career Guide 2025

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Ever wondered what does an RBT do on a daily basis?

If you’re considering a career as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT), or just curious about how these professionals support clients, you’re in the right place.

RBTs play a vital role in helping kids develop life-changing skills, from tying their shoes to asking for help without tantrums. 

Understanding what do RBT do in their everyday work can help you decide if this career path is right for you.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through a day in the life of an RBT. From one-on-one sessions to documenting progress, you’ll see what this job looks like in real time. 

Whether you’re exploring a new career or preparing for your first RBT role, this guide provides a clear and realistic picture of what does a RBT do, without the fluff.

Let’s dive in.

Typical RBT Responsibilities

A Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) assists children with autism in acquiring new skills and enhancing their behavior. But what does an RBT do specifically daily?

They work under the guidance of a trained supervisor, such as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).

Let’s examine a typical day for an RBT working at an ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) clinic to understand what do RBT do during their shifts.

Work Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Clients per Day: 6

Session Duration per Client: Approximately 1 hour
Time Between Sessions: Used for note-taking, prep work, and brief breaks

RBT typically sees six different children daily. Each child has a personalized behavior plan created by their supervisor, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Here’s a look at the client list and their goals to better understand what does a RBT do:

RBT Clients & Their Goals

Goals	Client # 1 – Emma (Age 5)	Client # 2 – Marcus (Age 7)	Client # 3 – Lily (Age 4)	Client # 4 – Jacob (Age 8)	Client # 5 – Sofia (Age 6)	Client # 6 – Alex (Age 9)
Goal # 1	Ask for help instead of throwing toys	Use polite words like “please” and “thank you.”	Make eye contact when her name is called	Follow the two-step directions	Use the bathroom independently	Read simple words
Goal # 2	Sit at the table for 10 minutes during snack time	Put on shoes independently	Play with other children for at least 5 minutes	Stay calm when plans change	Share toys with others	Ask questions when confused

What RBT Does With Each Child

1 – Data Collection (Every Single Session)

RBT carries a tablet and records everything that happens.

For example,

• With Emma: “Emma threw a toy at 9:15 AM. I used the replacement behavior – showed her the ‘help’ picture card. She pointed to it. I gave her a high-five.”

• With Marcus: “Marcus said ‘please’ 3 times out of 5 opportunities. He put on his left shoe alone but needed help with the right shoe.”

This data goes to the BCBA supervisor. The supervisor uses this information to change the RBT’s plan if needed. This is a core part of what do RBT do daily.

2 – Direct Implementation of Behavior Plans

RBT doesn’t create the plans. The supervisor writes them. RBT follows them exactly.

For example, 

• Emma’s Plan says (given by supervisor): “When Emma throws toys, ignore the throwing. Immediately show her the ‘help’ picture. When she points to the picture, give praise and help her.”

• RBT Does: They ignore Emma’s throwing. Shows the picture card. Says, “Great job asking for help!” when Emma points to it. 

• Marcus’s Plan says  (given by supervisor): “Practice shoe-tying for 10 minutes. Break it into 5 steps. Give a sticker after each step completed.”

• RBT Does: They sit on the floor with Marcus. “First, we make bunny ears with the laces.” Waits for Marcus to try. 

This explains what does an RBT do in practical terms.

3 – Building Relationships

Another key aspect of what do RBT do is relationship building. RBT spends the first 5 minutes of each session just connecting with each child. For example,

• With Lily: “Hi Lily! I love your purple shirt today. Want to see what we’re going to do?” RBT gets down to Lily’s eye level. Uses a gentle voice.

• With Jacob: “How was your morning, Jacob? I brought that puzzle you liked last time.” RBT remembers what each child enjoys.

4 – Teaching Daily Living Skills

For example,

• With Sofia (Bathroom Independence): An RBT walks Sofia to the bathroom. “First, we pull down our pants. Good job! Next, we sit on the toilet.” She waits outside the stall but stays close enough to help. “Now we wipe. Great! Don’t forget to flush.” She celebrates each small step.

5 – Communication Support

Communication support is a significant part of what do RBT do to help children express their needs.

For example,

• With Emma: An RBT uses picture cards because Emma doesn’t talk much yet. When Emma wants a snack, the RBT holds up two cards: an apple and crackers. Emma points to the apple. “You want an apple! Here you go.”

• With Alex: RBT asks simple questions. “What letter is this?” Points to ‘B’. When Alex says “B”, RBT says “Yes! And what sound does B make?” RBT builds on what he knows.

6 – Behavior Modification

For example,

• When Jacob Gets Upset: His plan says to use deep breathing. RBT sits with him. “Let’s take big breaths together. In through nose, out through mouth.” RBT breathes with him until he’s calm. Then they talk about what happened.

7 – Session Documentation

After each child leaves, an RBT  writes notes:

• “Emma – Completed 15 trials of requesting help. Used appropriate behavior 12/15 times. Threw toys 3 times, all during transition periods.”

• “Marcus – Said ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ without reminders. Shoe-tying improving – completed 3/5 steps independently today.”

8 – Following Supervision

Every Tuesday, RBT meets with the supervisor for 30 minutes. The supervisor reviews the RBT’s data. They discuss what’s working and what isn’t.

These were the critical responsibilities that define what does a RBT do.. Here’s what RBT doesn’t do:

• Don’t change plans without a supervisor.
• Don’t diagnose or set goals.
• Don’t give medical advice—only use behavior strategies.

Work Environments for RBTs

Most RBTs (Registered Behavior Technicians) work in these key settings regardless of the location.

Understanding these environments helps answer what do RBT do in different settings:

• ABA therapy clinics that serve multiple clients per day.

• Public, private, or special education settings.
  
• Delivering direct therapy to children in familiar home environments.
  
• Supporting teens or adults with disabilities in group settings. 

• Conducting virtual ABA sessions with clients via video, especially in rural or remote areas.
  

However, there are minor differences when it comes to different geographic locations. For example, 

• In the United States, RBTs work in insurance-funded home programs, ABA centers, and schools (as paraprofessionals).
  
• In Canada, they are often referred to as Behaviour Technicians. They work in autism service agencies, school-based ABA programs, and community clinics. What do RBT do in Canada includes similar duties with different funding structures.
  
• In Australia, they typically work under the NDIS as Behavioural Support Practitioners in clinics, schools, or government-funded disability services. Many receive added training in Positive Behavior Support (PBS) to align with NDIS standards.

Skills and Qualities of a Successful RBT

A well-rounded RBT combines technical competence, strong interpersonal abilities, and physical readiness:

Technical Skills of an RBT

• Completion of the 40-hour RBT training based on the RBT Task List (2nd Edition)
  
• Accurate data collection and basic behavior analysis
  
• Must follow behavior plans exactly as written
  
• Know how to stay calm and respond in crises

Soft Skills of an RBT

• Communicates clearly with kids, parents, and the team
  
• Patient and stays calm under pressure.
  
• Respects all cultures and family backgrounds
  
• Works well with others and takes guidance

Physical Requirements of an RBT

• Can move, play, or sit on the floor with clients
  
• Has energy for long sessions (2–4 hours)
  
• Can use tablets or tools to track progress

RBT Salary and Career Prospects

The demand for Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) is high and growing rapidly worldwide. 

This is because more people are being diagnosed with autism, funding for services is increasing, and ABA therapy is being used for more conditions beyond autism. 

In the United States, jobs for ABA workers are expected to grow by about 14% from 2018 to 2028. 

Canada and Australia exhibit similar growth, aided by programs such as Ontario’s Autism Program and Australia’s National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Here is the country-specific salary overview of an RBT:

• United States:
  • Average salary: $50,000–$55,000/year (~$24–$28/hour)
    
  • Higher wages in states with more funding and private centers (e.g., California, New York)
    
  • RBT salaries generally exceed those of similar psychiatric aides (median $42k)
• Canada:
  • Average wage: ~C$24.86/hour (~C$50,000/year)
    
  • Typical range: C$20–$30/hour depending on experience and province
    
  • Urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver offer higher wages.
    
• Australia:
  • Average salary: AUD 54,000–87,000/year (~AUD 35/hour, approx. US$48k)
    
  • Pay varies by experience and location, mostly under NDIS funding.
    
  • Credentialing changes coming in 2027 require local certification.
    

Becoming an RBT requires a high school diploma, plus a 40-hour training and exam, allowing you to start quickly. Many RBTs use this job as a first step toward earning higher certifications, such as BCaBA or BCBA. 

Is Becoming an RBT Right for You?

RBT offers strong job opportunities with flexible hours, but requires physical and emotional resilience. 

Before deciding if this career answers your question of what do RBT do that appeals to you, consider these factors:

Below is a clear overview to help you weigh the pros and cons, as well as essential resources, before pursuing this career.

Pros	Cons
Low entry requirements(18+, high school diploma, 40-hour ABA training)	Physically and emotionally demanding
Strong job demand with flexible schedules	May require after-school or weekend hours
Make a real difference	Pay varies(Some entry-level roles pay near minimum wage, though many pay better)
Hands-on therapy experience, good for careers in psychology, education, and healthcare	Ongoing supervision needed (at least 5% of hours by BCBA/BCaBA)

Consider these aspects and choose a career that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. 

If you’re just getting started with this RBT career, the list below provides useful resources to help ease your preparation journey.

• BACB RBT Handbook: This handbook provides an official certification guide.

• RBT FREE Test: These real exam-based quizzes will help you test your knowledge and skills. 

• Job Boards & Networks: Indeed, LinkedIn group, and autism/ABA forums often list RBT openings. Some clinics (e.g., Sunny Days, Behavioral Innovations) have career pages outlining duties.

Conclusion

Being an RBT is not just about data collection or following a plan—it’s about patience, connection, and making a difference in a child’s life.

Understanding what does an RBT do is the first step toward deciding if this rewarding career is right for you.

If you’re someone who thrives on structure, loves working with children, and wants to see real, measurable progress, this could be the right path for you.

Now you know what do RBT do on a daily basis.

Yes, the job is demanding. But the rewards are huge. You’re helping children find their voice, build independence, and gain confidence.

Whether you’re just starting or considering next steps in the ABA field, understanding what an RBT does will help you decide if this is the right fit for your future.

Now that you know what the role entails, the question is—are you ready to make a meaningful impact?

👉 Check out the RBT Handbook, a free test resource, and job boards to get started on your journey.