Marriage and Family Therapist Salary, Degree ROI & Career Outlook
Marriage and Family Therapist earns a $58,510 median salary, starts around $38,000, can reach $82,000, and has 15% projected job growth. Compare education requirements, salary upside, skills, employers, and degree ROI signals.
Reviewed June 12, 2026. DegreeCalc calculators are educational planning tools; verify final tuition, aid, transcript, loan, and employment decisions with official school, federal, servicer, or employer records.
Quick answer
Marriage and Family Therapist pays a median salary of $58,510 in the United States, with entry roles around $38,000 and senior roles around $82,000. The role has 15% projected growth and typically requires Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy or Counseling. Use the salary estimator and ROI snapshot below to judge whether the education path is worth the cost.
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Career ROI snapshot
Marriage and Family Therapist Pay, Growth & Education Fit
Marriage and Family Therapist has a $58,510 median salary, $38,000 entry-level salary, and $82,000 senior salary. Compared with other Healthcare careers in this database, the median salary is below the category average by -46%, while projected growth is above the peer average by 4.1 percentage points.
Vs. category salary
-46%
peer avg $107,555
Growth spread
+4.1 pts
category avg 10.9%
Senior upside
+116%
senior vs entry pay
Monthly median
$4,876
before taxes and benefits
| Decision factor | Marriage and Family Therapist signal | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Education investment | Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy or Counseling | Compare tuition, time to credential, and required internships against the entry-level salary. |
| Income runway | $38,000 entry to $82,000 senior | Use the salary range to estimate payback time and whether graduate school or certification is justified. |
| Demand risk | 15% projected growth, much faster than average outlook | Higher growth gives more room for career switching; slower growth makes specialization and networking more important. |
| Skill leverage | Psychotherapy, Family Systems Theory, Conflict Resolution, Assessment | Prioritize projects, certificates, or coursework that prove these skills before graduation. |
Salary Estimator
Salary Range
Key Skills
Recommended Certifications
- 1State Licensure (LMFT)
- 2AAMFT Clinical Fellow
Top Employers
Education Path
To pursue a career as a Marriage and Family Therapist, you will typically need: Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy or Counseling.
Job growth of 15% is above average, making this a solid career investment. Competition exists but opportunities are growing.
Data Sources: Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024–2025 edition). Job growth projections are 10-year estimates (2023–2033). Last updated March 2026.
Methodology & Career Data Sources
How we calculate Marriage and Family Therapist salary and outlook data: Our salary estimates, growth projections, and career outlook combine multiple federal labor datasets. Salary figures reflect national medians; actual pay varies by employer, location, specialization, and experience level.
- Salary data sourced from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the authoritative federal survey of employment and wages across 800+ occupations.
- Job growth projections from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), covering 10-year projections (2023–2033 base period) for all major occupations.
- Salary progression model combines OEWS percentile data (P10, P25, P50, P75, P90) with career-stage adjustments based on BLS Employment Cost Index trends.
- Education requirements cross-referenced with College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) earnings data for graduates in this field.
- Certification value assessed using O*NET occupational database (US Dept of Labor), which catalogs skills, abilities, and knowledge requirements per occupation.
Authoritative US labor and career data sources:
- BLS OEWS — Occupational Employment and Wages — median salary by occupation
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — job growth and career outlook 2023–2033
- O*NET Online (US Dept of Labor) — skills, education, and knowledge requirements
- College Scorecard — earnings outcomes by field of study and institution
- BLS Employment Cost Index (ECI) — wage growth trends by industry sector
- DOL Registered Apprenticeships — alternative credentialing pathways
Career Disclaimer: Salary figures represent national medians from the most recent BLS OEWS survey. Actual compensation varies significantly by employer, metropolitan area, industry sector, and individual experience. Growth projections are estimates and subject to economic conditions. Use this data as one input alongside current job listings and informational interviews.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · BLS OEWS & OOH data current as of 2024–2025 edition
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for a Marriage and Family Therapist?
The median salary for a Marriage and Family Therapist is $58,510 per year. Entry-level positions start around $38,000, while senior roles can earn up to $82,000.
What education do you need to become a Marriage and Family Therapist?
To become a Marriage and Family Therapist, you typically need a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy or Counseling. Relevant certifications include State Licensure (LMFT), AAMFT Clinical Fellow.
What is the job outlook for Marriage and Family Therapist?
The job outlook for Marriage and Family Therapist is much faster than average, with a projected growth rate of 15% over the next decade.
What skills do you need to be a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Key skills for a Marriage and Family Therapist include Psychotherapy, Family Systems Theory, Conflict Resolution, Assessment, Active Listening. Continuous learning and professional development are also important.
Where do Marriage and Family Therapists work?
Marriage and Family Therapists typically work in office/clinic settings. Top employers include Private Practice, Community Mental Health Centers, VA Hospitals, Behavioral Health Networks.
Is Marriage and Family Therapist a good career in 2026?
Yes, Marriage and Family Therapist is an excellent career choice with 15% projected growth and a median salary of $58,510.