Marriage & Family Therapist Salary: What to Expect
Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) is a rewarding profession, but salary potential varies based on factors such as location, experience, specialization, and work setting. Understanding MFT salaries can help professionals make informed career decisions, whether they are entering the field, pursuing licensure as an LMFT, or considering a career shift within the mental health sector.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of MFT salaries, including salary ranges for different positions, states with the highest and lowest salaries, and key factors influencing earnings in the field.
In this guide
How Much Can You Earn as an MFT?
Salaries for Marriage and Family Therapists depend on multiple factors, including geographic location, years of experience, work setting, and industry demand. Below is a comprehensive chart that outlines the salary ranges for different MFT-related positions based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and industry sources.
|
Job Title
|
Average Salary
|
Typical Experience Level
|
|---|---|---|
|
Entry-Level Marriage & Family Therapist
|
$45,000
|
0-2 years
|
|
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT)
|
$58,510
|
2-5 years
|
|
Experienced LMFT (10+ years)
|
$75,000
|
10+ years
|
|
MFT in Private Practice
|
$80,000+
|
5-10 years
|
|
Clinical Supervisor (LMFT)
|
$85,000
|
7-12 years
|
|
MFT in Hospitals & Healthcare
|
$70,000
|
3-7 years
|
|
MFT in Community Mental Health
|
$50,000
|
1-3 years
|
|
MFT College Professor (PhD/DMFT)
|
$80,000
|
8-15 years
|
|
MFT Researcher (PhD)
|
$75,000
|
8-12 years
|
Note: Salaries are estimates and can vary based on location, employer, and industry demand. Learn more about Marriage and Family Therapy careers.
What Factors Determine MFT Salaries?
Certain states offer significantly higher salaries for MFTs due to higher demand for mental health services, cost of living, and state funding for therapy programs. The following states have the highest median salaries for Marriage and Family Therapists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Top 5 Highest-Paying States for MFTs
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New Jersey – Average salary: $92,120
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Maryland – Average salary: $87,090
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Utah – Average salary: $83,980
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Virginia – Average salary: $82,510
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Alaska – Average salary: $79,660
Why These States Pay More:
- High demand for therapists: Increased need for mental health professionals.
- Higher cost of living: Wages are adjusted to match expenses.
- Strong healthcare funding: More state and insurance reimbursements for therapy services.
Bottom 5 Lowest-Paying States for MFTs
- West Virginia – Average salary: $45,000
- Arkansas – Average salary: $47,500
- Mississippi – Average salary: $48,000
- Kentucky – Average salary: $49,000
- South Dakota – Average salary: $50,000
Why These States Pay Less:
- Lower population density: Fewer clients seeking therapy services.
- Limited insurance reimbursements: Some states have stricter policies on mental health coverage.
- Lower cost of living: Wages are adjusted to match local expenses.
While salaries in these states may be lower, therapists can still find rewarding opportunities, especially in community mental health centers, hospitals, and teletherapy roles.
What Factors Determine MFT Salaries?
Several key factors influence how much an MFT earns, including:
- Location
- MFT salaries are typically higher in urban areas where mental health services are in greater demand.
- States with higher costs of living, such as California and New Jersey, tend to offer higher wages.
- Experience Level
- Entry-level MFTs earn less while completing supervised clinical hours.
- Experienced LMFTs and those with 10+ years in the field see significant salary increases.
- Specialization
- Therapists specializing in trauma therapy, addiction counseling, or couples therapy often command higher salaries.
- Additional certifications in EMDR, CBT, or family mediation can increase earning potential.
- Work Setting
- Private practice therapists typically earn more than those in community mental health centers or nonprofit organizations.
- MFTs working in hospitals and government agencies often have higher salaries than those in educational institutions.
- Licensure and Advanced Degrees
- Licensed LMFTs earn significantly more than pre-licensed MFT associates.
- Those with a PhD or DMFT can pursue academic, research, and high-level clinical roles with increased salary potential.
Marriage and Family Therapy offers strong job stability, growth potential, and multiple career pathways. While entry-level salaries may start lower, earning an LMFT, gaining experience, and specializing in high-demand areas can lead to significantly higher earnings over time.
With 16% projected job growth from 2023-2033, MFT remains a fast-growing mental health profession, making it a promising career for those passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families.
MFT Program Resources
Related Articles
- The ROI of an MFT Degree: Analyzing the Financial Investment in Your Therapy Career
- Who Will You Treat as a Marriage & Family Therapist? A Career Guide for Aspiring MFTs
- MFT Doctorate Degrees: DMFT vs PhD – Who Should Pursue Each Path?
- From Student to Therapist: What to Expect in Your MFT Clinical Internship
- LMFT vs MFT: Is Licensure Necessary for Your Therapy Career?