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Marriage and Family Therapists

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $66,940/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$44,650$123,730

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +12.6% projected growth, 20242034 — much faster than average.

About 7,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Active ListeningSocial PerceptivenessSpeakingWritingService OrientationComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive Learning
Top knowledge areas
Therapy and CounselingPsychologyCustomer and Personal ServiceSociology and AnthropologyEnglish LanguageAdministrativeLaw and GovernmentPhilosophy and Theology
Core tasks

Encourage individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner.

Ask questions that will help clients identify their feelings and behaviors.

Develop and implement individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior, and other personal issues.

Maintain case files that include activities, progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations.

Counsel clients on concerns, such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, or financial difficulties.

Collect information about clients, using techniques such as testing, interviewing, discussion, or observation.

Confer with clients to develop plans for posttreatment activities.

Confer with other counselors, doctors, and professionals to analyze individual cases and to coordinate counseling services.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Marriage and Family Therapists?

The median pay for Marriage and Family Therapists is $66,940 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Marriage and Family Therapists?

Employment for Marriage and Family Therapists is projected to change +12.6% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Marriage and Family Therapists?

Typical entry-level education: Master's degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Marriage and Family Therapists?

About 7,700 openings per year, on average, over the decade.