Audiology vs BCBA

[Shenreice]

I'm currently registered to begin my AuD in June, but now I'm having second thoughts. I work as an RBT currently, which I love, so I'm considering becoming a BCBA instead.
The biggest difference is cost. As a BCBA I'd make around 10-15k less than an Audiologist per year, but there's some big factors. BCBA is a two year degree, so I'd be joining the workforce two years earlier. It's also a degree where you can work full time while pursuing it, vs the AuD I'd only be able to work a little bit while I'm school. And last, my AuD will leave me about 250k in debt (including undergrad), while the BCBA will only be about 90k of debt. So the debt to income ratio is wildly different. But I feel like choosing the BCBA route is completely wasting my postbacc (and the 40k that it cost).
I love working in ABA, but the stress level is also insanely high compared to audiology. But I'm unsure whether the stress is better than potentially being very bored eventually as an audiologist, as I'm not someone who does well being bored. Both jobs I'm passionate about, so it's not as easy as following my passion. I'm just passionate about them in different ways.
Does anyone have any advice about which path they would choose? There's no wrong answers, I just want some honest advice.

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[oculusdiscipulus]

Hi there! I am not sure why I popped into this forum since I'm pre-optometry, but I digress. I have two brothers who are on the autism spectrum and require RBTs around the clock Mon-Fri. From my perspective, the RBT/BCBA burnout rate is incredibly high. Usually, RBTs last around 3 years at most before dipping, but honestly, the salary does not compensate them enough. I have to warn you that if you become a BCBA, the responsibilities are going to double those of an RBT. Plus, everyone and their mother wants to become a BCBA for that higher salary, so these schools are becoming diploma mills to churn out degrees, and typically, these schools do not prepare the RBTs for their BCBA exam, which I have been told is incredibly difficult. I can't tell you how many times I've seen RBTs get a master's degree to become a BCBA but can not pass the exam (I also think you can only take it a certain number of times). An Applied Behavior Analyst's master's degree is practically useless in most settings, so most of them just go back to being an RBT with school debt. Although I am sure you love ABA, you do need to think very carefully before going into the BCBA route. While the school debt is lower, you might be digging yourself a hole long-term with how many conditions tied to the degree. To become an audiologist, while you do take the Praxis Exam in Audiology, fewer schools in the country provide this doctorate, and they have a far greater success rate than any ABA degree. If you enjoy working with those who have disabilities, there is a huge need for audiologists at deaf schools/institutes - you can specialize in aural rehabilitation! I also would like to suggest a master's degree in speech pathology, it kinda takes what you're looking for and combines them. I hope you find what you're looking for - DM me if you have any questions!!