Customize Your Journey
For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Marriage and Family Therapists

Median Salary
58,510
Job Outlook
+16%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

What sectors do they work in?

Self-employed

34%

Private for profit

32%

Private not for profit

24%

State and local government

9%

Federal Government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 16 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 7,500 openings for marriage and family therapists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$31,300

10%

$58,510

Median

$86,030

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Master's degree

    78%

  • First professional degree

    9%

  • Doctoral degree

    4%

  • Associate's degree

    2%

  • Post-master's certificate

    2%

  • Post-doctoral training

    1%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Social Work
  • Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling
  • Clinical Pastoral Counseling/Patient Counseling

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Therapy and Counseling
  • Psychology
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Administrative

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Social

You love connecting with people, helping others and making a difference in your community.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

Related Occupations

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.