Featured Programs:
Sponsored School(s)
Southern New Hampshire University
Featured Program: Various Degrees in Nursing & Health Care
The following page shows the career & education requirements, salary and job outlook for a Marriage/Family Therapy around the country.
What We Do
A marriage and family therapist is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of serious emotional and mental problems, including child-parent, individual, and marital problems, as well as depression and anxiety. There are cases where the treatment offered by marriage and family therapists is more effective than standard, individual treatment for mental health issues. These issues include alcoholism, affective disorders, schizophrenia, drug abuse, anorexia, obsessive compulsive disorder, and chronic illnesses. This is because these conditions affect the family unit as a whole.
Work Environment
Marriage and family therapists can work in a huge range of different sectors. These environments include social outreach agencies, mental health clinics, private practices, private, state, or local hospitals, residential care and nursing facilities, individual and family services, outpatient care centers, faith-based agencies, government agencies, and schools.
How to Become a Marriage/Family Therapy
Marriage and family therapists must complete a graduate degree training program at the master’s degree level. Here, they learn to recognize and understand the symptoms of emotional and mental disorders, as well as learn how to provide the appropriate treatment. After completing a master’s degree, these family and marriage therapists must also work for two years in a clinical setting under direct supervision by an experienced therapist, after which they can become licensed. To achieve this, most complete an internship to meet the clinical supervision requirements.
Training & Certification Requirements
Marriage and family therapists are trained in psychotherapy besides other kinds of therapy. Additionally, they have a license to diagnose mental and emotional disorders, and treat them as well, so long as they are in the context of the family and marriage. Usually, they will have at least 15 years of experience in clinical fields and, while a master’s degree is the minimum requirement, most of these therapists hold a doctorate degree in marriage and family therapy. Every state requires a license to practice as a marriage and family therapist. Their exact requirements in terms of getting and keeping that license, however, will vary. The Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards holds information on the different requirements by state.
Marriage/Family Therapy Related Job Titles
According to Indeed.com, the following career/job titles with salary figures are most closely related to Marriage/Family Therapy.
| Career/Job Title | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Counselor Perkins Funded | $70,000 |
| Marriage Family Therapist | $64,000 |
| Network Director | $125,000 |
| Counselor Instructor | $59,000 |
| Behavioral Health Clinician | $44,000 |
| Counseling | $41,000 |
| Mental Health Professional | $46,000 |
Marriage/Family Therapy Earning Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), mental health counselors earned an average of $43,190 per year in 2015.
Marriage/Family Therapy Job Outlook
The job outlook for marriage and family therapists is very good, with the BLS predicting a 19% growth in demand between 2014 and 2024 for all mental health counselors.
According to Indeed.com, the average national salary of jobs for Marriage/Family Therapy was $69,000.00 with a high confidence ranking based on over 250 sources. Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide are 20% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.
Marriage/Family Therapy Salary by State
The following lists Marriage/Family Therapy salaries in each state around the country. The figures are based on the total number of job postings by employers through Indeed.com. For example, DC had the largest quoted salary of $87,000 while Hawaii had the smallest quoted salary of $43,000.
| Alaska – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 48th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Alaska are 26% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 48th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium and Southcentral Foundation. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Alabama – $70,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 13th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Alabama are 1% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 13th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like DCH Health System. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Arkansas – $71,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 10th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Arkansas are 2% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 10th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Vantage Point of Northwest Arkansas. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Arizona – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 43rd | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Arizona are 18% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 43rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Jewish Family and Children’s Service, Native American Connections, Northcentral University Inc, and Sundance. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| California – $74,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 8th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in California are 7% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 8th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like County of San Mateo, County of Riverside, Kaiser Permanente, and Edgewood. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Colorado – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 34th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Colorado are 11% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 34th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Mental Health Partners, Colorado Department of Human Services, Arapahoe House, and The Resource Exchange. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Connecticut – $80,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 4th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Connecticut are 15% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 4th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Community Health Center, Inc., Backus Hospital, Town of East Hampton, and New Leaf Behavioral Health. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| DC – $87,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 1st | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Washington, DC are 25% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 1st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Restoration Center, Inc.. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Delaware – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 35th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Delaware are 12% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 35th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Florida – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 27th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Florida are 7% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 27th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Institute for Child and Family Health, Inc., The Watershed, Healing Transitions Creative Counseling, and Pathways of Florida. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Georgia – $79,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 5th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Georgia are 14% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 5th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Universal Health Services, Anchor Hospital, Joshua Generation Care & Consulting Services, LLC, and Turning Point Hospital. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Hawaii – $43,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 51st | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Hawaii are 38% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 51st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Iowa – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 16th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Iowa are 2% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 16th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like UnityPoint Health, Clear Brook Counseling Professionals, and New Location Therapy Office. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Idaho – $45,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 50th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Idaho are 34% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 50th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Pathways of Idaho, St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, Pioneer Health Resources, and St. Luke’s Health System. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Illinois – $79,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 6th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Illinois are 13% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 6th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Governors State University, Fox Valley Institute, The Midwest Relationship Center LLC, and One Hope United. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Indiana – $66,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 23rd | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Indiana are 4% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 23rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Meridian Health Services, Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, St. Vincent Health, and SCAN, Inc. (Stop Child Abuse & Neglect). | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Kansas – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 30th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Kansas are 9% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 30th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like KVC Health Systems, Inc, Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, Counseling Resources, Inc., and HopeNet, Inc.. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Kentucky – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 39th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Kentucky are 14% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 39th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like English-El Enterprises, LLC. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Louisiana – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 32nd | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Louisiana are 11% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 32nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like AMIkids and Shoulders of Strength, INC.. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Massachusetts – $83,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 3rd | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Massachusetts are 20% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 3rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like South Bay Community Services and Argosight. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Maryland – $71,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 11th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Maryland are 3% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 11th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Restoration Center, Inc.. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Maine – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 36th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Maine are 12% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 36th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Correct Care Solutions and Catholic Charities Maine. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Michigan – $70,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 14th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Michigan are 1% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 14th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Minnesota – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 40th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Minnesota are 13% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 40th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Nystrom & Associates, Ltd., Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, Northern Pines Mental Health Center, and SteppingStone Therapeutic. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Missouri – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 17th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Missouri are 2% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 17th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Hi-Tech Charities. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Mississippi – $72,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 9th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Mississippi are 5% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 9th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Acadia Healthcare Facilities, Rehabilitation Centers, LLC d/b/a Millcreek, and Southwest Mississippi Mental Health Complex. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Montana – $58,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 42nd | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Montana are 17% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 42nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| North Carolina – $66,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 24th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in North Carolina are 5% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 24th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Pathways To Life, Inc., DAYMARK RECOVERY SERVICES, Monarch, and FirstHealth of the Carolinas. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| North Dakota – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 37th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in North Dakota are 11% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 37th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like The Village Family Service Center. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Nebraska – $51,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 49th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Nebraska are 27% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 49th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Heartland Family Service. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| New Hampshire – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 18th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in New Hampshire are 1% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 18th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Child and Family Services of NH. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| New Jersey – $75,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 7th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in New Jersey are 8% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 7th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like HELLENIC THERAPY CENTER and Skylands Medical Group. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| New Mexico – $60,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 41st | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in New Mexico are 13% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 41st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Nevada – $53,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 46th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Nevada are 24% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 46th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like University of Phoenix, Pro-Health TES, Licensed Therapist/Intern, and Well Care Services. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| New York – $84,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 2nd | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in New York State are 21% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 2nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like WCA Hospital, Family Services of Westchester, Inc, Sancia Wellness Inc., and Unity Hospital. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Ohio – $66,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 25th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Ohio are 4% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 25th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like State of Ohio Jobs, ACMC Healthcare System, Talbert House, and Education Alternatives. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Oklahoma – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 28th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Oklahoma are 8% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 28th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Oregon – $67,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 20th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Oregon are 3% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 20th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Trillium Family Services, Linn County Department of Health Services, Correct Care Solutions, and Old Mill Center for Children and Families. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Pennsylvania – $67,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 21st | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Pennsylvania are 4% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 21st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Team Builder, Integrity, Public Health Management Corporation, and MCC Warwick Family Services. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Rhode Island – $63,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 31st | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Rhode Island are 9% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 31st among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Lifespan. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| South Carolina – $68,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 19th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in South Carolina are 1% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 19th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| South Dakota – $52,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 47th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in South Dakota are 25% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 47th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Tennessee – $64,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 29th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Tennessee are 7% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 29th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Centerstone and Omni Family of Services. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Texas – $67,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 22nd | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Texas are 3% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 22nd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Baylor University, The Watershed, The Watershed Treatment Programs, Inc., and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Utah – $54,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 45th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Utah are 22% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 45th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Virginia – $70,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 15th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Virginia are 1% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 15th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Beacon Health Options. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Vermont – $61,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 38th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Vermont are 12% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 38th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Washington – $71,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 12th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Washington State are 3% higher than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 12th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Compass Health, State of Washington, Correct Care Solutions, and Tulalip Tribes. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Wisconsin – $62,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 33rd | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Wisconsin are 11% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 33rd among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like Marriage & Family Health Services, Ltd. and Luxury Wisconsin Addiction Treatment Center. | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| West Virginia – $65,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 26th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in West Virginia are 6% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 26th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
| Wyoming – $57,000 (High Confidence (more than 250 sources)) |
Rank: 44th | ||||||||||
| Average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings in Wyoming are 17% lower than average Marriage/Family Therapy salaries for job postings nationwide. The average salary ranks 44th among states in the country. There were also job openings from employers like . | |||||||||||
|
|||||||||||
