RBT Jobs in Atlanta: How to Start and Grow Your Career as a Registered Behavior Technician

If you’re searching for RBT jobs in Atlanta, you’re looking at a field that combines hands-on work, structured training, and the chance to support children and adults with autism and other developmental differences across metro Atlanta.

This guide walks you through what RBTs do, where they work in Atlanta, how to get certified, typical pay ranges, and practical local job-hunting tips tailored to the Atlanta area.

What Is an RBT and What Do They Do in Atlanta?

An RBT (Registered Behavior Technician) is a paraprofessional who works under the supervision of a BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst) to provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services.

In Atlanta, RBTs typically:

• Work directly with children with autism and other developmental or behavioral needs
• Implement individualized behavior intervention plans written by a BCBA
• Collect data on behaviors and skill development
• Use ABA strategies to teach communication, social skills, self-help skills, and coping skills
• Work in homes, clinics, schools, and community settings across the metro area

RBTs do not design treatment plans or diagnose; they carry out plans and strategies designed by licensed or certified professionals.

Common Work Settings for RBT Jobs in Atlanta

You’ll see RBT job postings all over metro Atlanta, from ITP neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, and Westside, to suburbs like Marietta, Alpharetta, Lawrenceville, Smyrna, and Jonesboro.

1. ABA Clinics and Centers

Many RBTs work in center-based ABA programs, especially in:

• North Atlanta / Perimeter (Sandy Springs, Dunwoody)
• North Fulton (Roswell, Alpharetta, Johns Creek)
• Cobb County (Marietta, Kennesaw)
• Gwinnett County (Lawrenceville, Duluth)

Day-to-day work in a clinic often includes:

• 1:1 sessions in therapy rooms
• Small group social skills programs
• Data collection using tablets or paper forms
• Collaboration with BCBAs and sometimes speech/occupational therapists

These centers may offer full-time schedules and more structured hours, often during the daytime on weekdays.

2. In-Home ABA Services

Some families in Atlanta prefer ABA in their homes or community settings. In-home RBTs might spend time:

• Working in family homes in areas like Grant Park, East Atlanta, Kirkwood, or Brookhaven
• Meeting families in community locations such as parks, libraries, or recreation centers to work on social and life skills
• Traveling between multiple homes during the day

In-home roles can offer flexible schedules, but often require reliable transportation and comfort driving on Atlanta’s highways and neighborhood streets.

3. School-Based RBT Positions

Certain public school districts and charter schools in the Atlanta area hire paraprofessionals with ABA training or RBT credentials to support students receiving special education services.

You may find roles in:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS) – schools across the city, from Downtown to South Atlanta
• DeKalb County School District – covering areas such as Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain
• Gwinnett, Cobb, Fulton, and Clayton County Schools – large districts with significant special education departments

These positions may be listed as:

• RBT, Behavior Technician, Paraprofessional with ABA experience, or Autism Support Paraprofessional

School-based roles usually follow a school-day schedule, with breaks aligned to the academic calendar.

Basic Requirements to Become an RBT in Georgia

To work in RBT jobs in Atlanta, you must meet national certification requirements set by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and follow Georgia regulations.

Core requirements generally include:

• Age: At least 18 years old
• Education: Minimum of a high school diploma or GED
• Background check: Clear criminal background check, often including fingerprinting
• Training: Completion of a 40-hour RBT training that meets BACB standards
• Competency assessment: A practical skills assessment completed by a qualified supervisor (often a BCBA)
• RBT exam: Passing the official BACB RBT exam
• Ongoing supervision: Working under supervision of a BCBA or qualified professional, with regular oversight hours

In Atlanta, many employers help new hires complete the training and certification process, especially if they are hiring for entry-level behavior technician roles.

Typical RBT Pay and Hours in Atlanta

Actual pay varies by employer, experience, and setting, but Atlanta-area RBT jobs commonly include:

• Pay structure:

  • Hourly wages
  • Sometimes higher pay for in-home or evening/weekend hours

• Schedule types:

  • Full-time roles (often 30–40 hours/week)
  • Part-time positions, especially afternoon/evening slots for school-aged clients
  • Some employers offer split shifts (e.g., mornings and late afternoons)

Here’s a simplified overview of what you might encounter:

When evaluating offers, pay attention not just to hourly wage but also to:

• Guaranteed vs. billable hours
• Travel time and mileage reimbursement (for in-home work)
• Training pay and support for ongoing supervision and renewal fees

How to Find RBT Jobs in Atlanta

You can approach your job search in several ways, combining online searches, local organizations, and education or training connections.

1. Online Job Boards and Search Terms

When using general job boards, try search phrases like:

• “RBT jobs Atlanta”
• “Registered Behavior Technician Atlanta GA”
• “Behavior technician ABA Atlanta”
• “Behavior therapist autism Atlanta”

Filter by location and consider including nearby cities such as Decatur, Marietta, Roswell, Lawrenceville, Smyrna, and College Park to see more options across metro Atlanta.

2. Directly Contacting ABA Providers

Many larger ABA agencies and clinics around Atlanta post openings on their own websites or welcome direct inquiries from candidates interested in RBT roles.

Common steps:

• Look for the “Careers” or “Jobs” section on ABA provider websites
• Prepare a simple resume highlighting any experience with children, education, special needs, or caregiving
• Ask whether they offer paid RBT training or support for certification

You’ll find providers scattered across:

• Midtown, Buckhead, and West Midtown
• Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, and Perimeter Center
• Alpharetta, Roswell, and Johns Creek
• Marietta and Kennesaw
• Lawrenceville, Duluth, and Snellville
• South Atlanta, College Park, and East Point

3. School Systems and Public Agencies

Several Atlanta-area school districts list paraprofessional or behavior technician positions on their own job portals. Examples include:

• Atlanta Public Schools (APS)
  – Central Office: 130 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  – Main line: (404) 802-3500

• DeKalb County School District
  – Administrative Complex: 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
  – Main line: (678) 676-1200

• Cobb County School District
  – Central Office: 514 Glover St SE, Marietta, GA 30060
  – Main line: (770) 426-3300

These roles may not always list “RBT” in the title, but RBT certification can be viewed positively when applying for positions supporting students with autism or behavioral needs.

4. Local Colleges, Training Programs, and Career Centers

If you’re just getting started, some Atlanta-area colleges, technical schools, and continuing education programs offer:

• Introductory ABA or RBT training courses
• Career services that connect graduates with local ABA providers
• Job boards focused on health and human services roles

You can also check with community job assistance resources such as:

• WorkSource Atlanta – 818 Pollard Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30315 | (404) 546-3000
• Georgia Department of Labor – Atlanta Career Center
  – 223 Courtland St NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 232-3500

These offices can help with resume building, interview practice, and sometimes information on local employers hiring entry-level behavioral health staff.

Getting RBT Training and Certification Support in Atlanta

Many people in Atlanta become RBTs by combining online training with local supervision and employment.

Common pathways:

1. Online 40-Hour RBT Course

   • Self-paced courses that meet BACB standards
   • Often used by Atlanta residents who already have a job lined up or are preparing to apply

2. Employer-Sponsored Training

   • Some Atlanta ABA agencies hire new staff as Behavior Technicians and then:
     • Provide or pay for the 40-hour course
     • Arrange the competency assessment
     • Guide you through exam registration and supervision requirements

3. College or Certificate Programs

   • Some local institutions and training providers offer structured RBT prep courses with live or hybrid instruction, which may be helpful if you prefer more support.

When comparing options, ask:

• Whether the training meets BACB requirements
• If they help coordinate the competency assessment
• Whether there is job placement or hiring preference for people who complete their coursework

What Employers in Atlanta Look for in RBT Candidates

Even if you’re new to ABA, many Atlanta employers are open to training the right person. When reviewing applications, they often look for:

• Experience with children or individuals with disabilities
  • Babysitting, tutoring, youth programs, camps, special needs support, or caregiving
• Reliability and professionalism
  • Being on time in a city with heavy traffic, honoring schedules, and following procedures
• Communication skills
  • Comfort communicating with parents, supervisors, and sometimes school staff
• Patience, calm under pressure, and willingness to learn
• Ability to handle physical activity
  • Floor play with children, moving between rooms, occasional lifting or assisting

To stand out in Atlanta’s RBT job market:

• Highlight any work with kids or vulnerable populations
• Show that you’re comfortable navigating Atlanta’s neighborhoods and traffic
• Indicate availability during after-school hours, when demand is often highest

Day-to-Day Life as an RBT in Atlanta

Your daily experience can differ based on your setting.

In a Clinic (e.g., north Atlanta or central city clinics)

You might:

• Arrive at a center off I-285 or GA-400
• Work in assigned therapy rooms with individual children
• Participate in morning or afternoon staff huddles
• Use a tablet to record data during each session
• Take short breaks between sessions, with some on-site support and supervision

In Homes and the Community (throughout metro Atlanta)

You might:

• Drive to a client’s home in areas like East Atlanta, Smyrna, or Lawrenceville
• Work both at the kitchen table and in play areas
• Support clients during community outings such as local parks, grocery stores, or playgrounds
• Plan travel times carefully around Atlanta rush hours

In a School Setting

You might:

• Work in one or more classrooms, supporting a student or small group
• Help implement behavior support strategies designed by a BCBA or school psychologist
• Collaborate with teachers and special education staff
• Follow the school’s daily schedule, including lunch, specials, and dismissal routines

Practical Tips for Landing an RBT Job in Atlanta

Here are specific, locally relevant steps you can take:

1. Prepare a Focused Resume

   • Emphasize:
     • Childcare, teaching, or camp experience
     • Work with individuals with autism, ADHD, or developmental disabilities
     • Customer service roles that show patience and communication

2. Address Transportation Clearly

   • If you have a car and can drive across metro Atlanta, say so.
   • If you rely on MARTA, emphasize willingness to work near rail lines or major bus routes.

3. Be Honest About Availability

   • Many families in Atlanta want help after school (roughly 3–7 pm) or on weekends.
   • If you can cover these hours, highlight that in your application and interviews.

4. Learn Basic ABA Terminology Ahead of Time

   • Familiarity with words like “reinforcement,” “prompting,” “data collection,” and “behavior plan” can show motivation when interviewing with Atlanta ABA providers.

5. Network Locally

   • Ask contacts who work in schools, healthcare, social services, or child-focused nonprofits if they know of ABA providers hiring RBTs.
   • Visit local job fairs, especially those hosted by Atlanta Public Schools, nearby counties, or Atlanta career centers.

Key Takeaways for RBT Jobs in Atlanta

• Atlanta has active demand for RBTs, especially in ABA clinics, in-home programs, and schools serving children with autism and other developmental needs.
• You’ll need BACB RBT certification, including a 40-hour training, competency assessment, and exam, plus a background check.
• Job prospects cover central Atlanta and surrounding suburbs, with varying schedules and pay depending on setting.
• Many Atlanta employers support new staff through training and certification, making this a realistic entry point into behavioral health and special education.
• Focusing your search on “RBT jobs Atlanta” and related terms, using local school districts, career centers, and ABA providers, will give you the clearest path to finding openings that match your skills and schedule.