Community, Social & Government Services career

Marriage and Family Therapist

Also called: MFT · Couples Therapist · Family Counselor · LMFT

What marriage and family therapists do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a marriage and family therapist do?

Marriage and family therapists help people manage problems with their families and relationships, using therapy that looks at how relationships affect behavior and wellbeing. The median pay is $66,940 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 6+ years plus supervised hours, and employment is projected to grow +13.5% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $66,940
    $32.18/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +13.5%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    6,900
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Master's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    6+ years plus supervised hours
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    76,300
    Employment, 2025

What marriage and family therapists do

Marriage and family therapists treat people in the context of their relationships. They counsel couples, families and individuals on conflict, communication, parenting, divorce, grief, mental health and addiction, helping clients understand patterns and build healthier ways of relating.

MFTs need a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, two or more years of supervised clinical experience and a state license. Employment is projected to grow faster than average, and many therapists build private practices.

Typical duties

  • Assess clients and relationships
  • Develop treatment plans
  • Provide couples, family and individual therapy
  • Teach communication skills
  • Address mental health and behavior issues
  • Refer clients to other services
  • Keep clinical records

Work environment and schedule

MFTs work in private practices, clinics, hospitals, schools and via telehealth.

Schedule: Many work evenings and some weekends to fit clients’ schedules.

A day in the life

  1. Review notes before sessions.
  2. Meet a couple working on communication.
  3. Hold a family session about a teen’s behavior.
  4. Consult with a psychiatrist about a shared client.

See a full day in the life of a marriage and family therapist →

Marriage and Family Therapist salary

Half of marriage and family therapists earned more than $66,940 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $44,650 for the lowest 10% to $123,730 for the top 10%.

Full marriage and family therapist pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a marriage and family therapist

  1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
  2. Earn a master’s in MFT
  3. Complete supervised hours
  4. Pass the exam
  5. Advance

A master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field is required, plus supervised clinical experience.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a marriage and family therapist →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Family systems therapy
  • Couples therapy
  • Assessment and diagnosis
  • Treatment planning
  • Crisis intervention

People skills

  • Empathy
  • Neutrality
  • Listening
  • Boundaries

All marriage and family therapist skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Faster-than-average growth
  • Meaningful work
  • Private practice potential
  • Flexible telehealth options

Cons

  • Long path to licensure
  • Emotionally demanding
  • Evening hours
  • Insurance paperwork

Certifications and licenses

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): State license.
  • AMFTRB national exam: The licensing exam used by most states.
  • AAMFT Approved Supervisor: Credential to supervise trainees.
  • Gottman Method certification: Couples therapy training.

Career path

  1. MFT Associate: Gain supervised hours.
  2. Licensed MFT: Practice independently.
  3. Specialist or Supervisor: Train others.
  4. Private Practice Owner: Run a practice.

Learn the job before day one

Our Marriage and Family Therapist training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as build a genogram and stay neutral in couples therapy, safety and how to land your first job.

View Marriage and Family Therapist trainingIs this career right for me?

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Compare: Family Therapist vs. Addiction Counselor · Family Therapist vs. School Counselor · Family Therapist vs. Medical Social Worker · Family Therapist vs. Mediator

Marriage and Family Therapist FAQ

How long does it take to become an MFT?

Usually six or more years of school plus supervised hours.

Can MFTs treat individuals?

Yes, through a relational lens.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster-than-average growth.

How much does a marriage and family therapist make?

The median annual wage for marriage and family therapists was $66,940 ($32.18 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $44,650 and the highest 10% earned more than $123,730.

How long does it take to become a marriage and family therapist?

Most people need about 6+ years plus supervised hours of training. A master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field is required, plus supervised clinical experience.

Do you need a degree to be a marriage and family therapist?

Yes. BLS lists a master’s degree as typical, and every state requires a graduate degree, supervised clinical hours and a license to practice as an MFT.

More marriage and family therapist questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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