Marriage and Family Therapists
O*NET 21-1013.00 · SOC 21-1013
Marriage and Family Therapist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $67k a year with +13.5% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 6,900 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Conduct therapy sessions with couples experiencing relationship conflict.
- →Facilitate family therapy sessions to improve communication patterns.
- →Assess family dynamics to identify sources of dysfunction or stress.
- →Develop individualized treatment plans for couples and family clients.
- →Coordinate with psychiatrists or social workers on complex family cases.
Education & How to Get In
Marriage and Family Therapist roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
People-facing, clinics, schools, or client sites
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Marriage and Family Therapist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Marriage and Family Therapist?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Marriage and Family Therapist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Marriage and Family Therapists is projected to grow 13.5% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·44% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·37% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Marriage and Family Therapist make?
The median Marriage and Family Therapist earns $67k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Marriage and Family Therapist jobs?
Our model puts Marriage and Family Therapist at 22 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 44% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 37% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Marriage and Family Therapist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 13.5% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 6,900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Marriage and Family Therapist roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Marriage and Family Therapist career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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