What Marriage and Family Therapists do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Marriage and Family Therapists this way: "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."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Ask questions that will help clients identify their feelings and behaviors"; "Counsel clients on concerns, such as unsatisfactory relationships, divorce and separation, child rearing, home management, or financial difficulties"; "Encourage individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner"; "Maintain case files that include activities, progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations"; "Collect information about clients, using techniques such as testing, interviewing, discussion, or observation".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is master's degree. Typical on-the-job training to reach competency is internship/residency.
Job outlook for Marriage and Family Therapists
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 76,300 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 86,600 in 2035, an increase of 10,300 jobs (+13.5%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 6,900 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 9.0% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 10.9% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $66,940, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Marriage and Family Therapists earn the most
Published data currently covers California, where the employment-weighted average of local median wages is $68,352. More states are added as pages are published.
Occupations related to Marriage and Family Therapists
Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors belong to the same detailed SOC group. Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (21-1000) include Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, Child, Family, and School Social Workers and Social and Human Service Assistants.
Frequently asked questions about Marriage and Family Therapists
How much do Marriage and Family Therapists earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $66,940.
Is Marriage and Family Therapists a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 13.5% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 6,900 openings a year.
What education do Marriage and Family Therapists need?
The typical entry-level education is master's degree and internship/residency, according to BLS.