How to become marriage and family therapistseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Social Services Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$66,940

25th–75th pct. $50,070–$93,840

Top pay (est.)

$160,800

Top 10% $123,730

Pay in 5 years

$79,500est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$94,400est.

$81,200–$109,600

Outlook score

70/100

★★★★☆ Good

AI replacement risk

47%

Moderate

Job growth (10 yr)

+13.5%

6,900 openings / yr

How to become marriage and family therapists

Typical education

Master's degree

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Internship/residency

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Marriage and Family Therapists

Key skills

Social Perceptiveness

5.6

Active Listening

4.9

Reading Comprehension

4.2

Service Orientation

4.2

Writing

4.1

Judgment and Decision Making

4.1

Speaking

4.1

Complex Problem Solving

4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Therapy and Counseling

6.9

Psychology

6.7

Customer and Personal Service

5.2

Education and Training

4.7

Sociology and Anthropology

4.6

English Language

4.5

Philosophy and Theology

4.0

Administrative

3.9

What the work involves

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeAssisting and Caring for OthersMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsGetting InformationThinking CreativelyDocumenting/Recording InformationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others

Important abilities

Oral ExpressionProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningSpeech ClaritySpeech Recognition

Training before entry

2–4 years

33%

Up to 1 month

30%

None / short demo

10%

1–2 years

10%

1–3 months

3–6 months

6–12 months

Related work experience

2–4 years

43%

1–2 years

33%

None

3–6 months

Up to 1 month

4–6 years

1–3 months

Job Zone 5 — extensive preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as marriage and family therapists

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Childcare Workers Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions.	$34,980	48/100	16%
2	Social and Human Service Assistants Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families.	$45,930	62/100	40%
3	Child, Family, and School Social Workers Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children.	$59,550	58/100	43%
4	Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.	$64,330	50/100	52%
5	Healthcare Social Workers Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses.	$67,880	70/100	34%
6	Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs.	$60,280	69/100	43%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.