Music Therapists
O*NET 29-1129.02 · SOC 29-1129
Music Therapist is a strong career choice. Median pay is $78k a year with +12.6% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 3,600 openings a year. AI exposure: Low.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Lead music improvisation sessions to support emotional expression.
- →Use rhythm and song to improve patients' motor coordination.
- →Assess clients' responses to music to guide therapeutic interventions.
- →Write clinical notes documenting patient progress after each session.
- →Adapt music therapy techniques for patients with dementia or autism.
Education & How to Get In
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Music Therapist roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.
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 Music Therapist involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Music 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 Music Therapist Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
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Job Outlook
Employment of Music Therapists is projected to grow 12.6% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·41% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
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 Music Therapist make?
The median Music Therapist earns $78k 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 Music Therapist jobs?
Our model puts Music Therapist at 11 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is low risk, AI-resistant. The main drivers: 38% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 41% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Music Therapist a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 12.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 3,600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Music Therapist?
A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Music Therapist roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.
How long does it take to become a Music Therapist?
Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Music 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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