Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Working effectively with people by building relationships, understanding others, and responding appropriately.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Marriage and family therapists typically need a master’s degree to enter the occupation. Every state requires therapists to be licensed. PayThe median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $66,940 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,900 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marriage and family therapists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marriage and family therapists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about marriage and family therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $66,940 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,900 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marriage and family therapists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marriage and family therapists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about marriage and family therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 6,900 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. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marriage and family therapists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marriage and family therapists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about marriage and family therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Marriage and family therapists diagnose and treat cognitive, behavioral, or similar disorders in the context of couples and other relationships.
Work Environment
Marriage and family therapists work in a variety of settings, such as offices and mental health centers. Most work full time, but part-time work is common. Some therapists work evenings and weekends.
How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists typically need a master’s degree to enter the occupation. Every state requires therapists to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $66,940 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 6,900 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marriage and family therapists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marriage and family therapists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about marriage and family therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Marriage and family therapists work in a variety of settings, such as offices and mental health centers. Most work full time, but part-time work is common. Some therapists work evenings and weekends.
How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist
Marriage and family therapists typically need a master’s degree to enter the occupation. Every state requires therapists to be licensed.
Pay
The median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $66,940 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of marriage and family therapists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 6,900 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.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marriage and family therapists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marriage and family therapists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about marriage and family therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for marriage and family therapists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of marriage and family therapists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about marriage and family therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about marriage and family therapists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.