How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist
Treat emotional and behavioral challenges within the context of couples and family systems rather than the individual alone. It typically requires a master's degree, with a median salary of $66,940 per year and much faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$66,940/yr
Job growth
7%
Openings / yr
7,700
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Family Systems Therapy
- Active Listening
- Assessment
- Empathy
- Conflict Resolution
Helpful certifications
- LMFT (state marriage and family therapist licensure)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Community Services Manager$80,390 median
- Mental Health Counselor$59,350 median
- Rehabilitation Counselor$46,850 median
- Human Services Assistant$45,930 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Marriage and Family Therapist make?
The median pay for a Marriage and Family Therapist is $66,940 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become a Marriage and Family Therapist?
The usual entry point is a master's degree. Common majors are Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, Counseling, and Social Work.
Is Marriage and Family Therapist a growing field?
The BLS projects much faster than average demand for this role, about 7% over the decade, with roughly 7,700 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does a Marriage and Family Therapist use most?
Common skills for this role are Family Systems Therapy, Active Listening, Assessment, Empathy, and Conflict Resolution.
Planning to become a Marriage and Family Therapist?
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.