Marriage and Family Therapist Salary 2024: Median $53,180 (BLS 2020), Range $36K–$88K, Growth Outlook Positive

Per BLS (May 2020):

• Median Annual: $53,180
• 10th Percentile: $36,030
• 90th Percentile: $88,420

Work Settings & Pay

• Private Practice: Highest earning potential (fee-for-service, cash pay).
• Outpatient Centers / Hospitals: Salary + benefits; moderate.
• Schools / Government / Nonprofit: Lower base; loan forgiveness (PSLF) possible.

Licensure Path (US)

1. Master's in MFT or related (COAMFTE-accredited preferred).
2. Supervised clinical hours (2,000–4,000 post-grad, varies by state).
3. Pass AMFTRB National Exam + state jurisprudence.
4. State LMFT license.

Outlook

14% growth (2021–31) — faster than average. Drivers: mental health parity, telehealth expansion, aging population, trauma-informed care demand.