4 answers
Eian
Student
Atlantic, Iowa
4
Questions
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What Is the average salary for a therapist What is the average salary for a therapist ?
I was curious what the average salary for a therapist would be in the United StatesFor
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4 answers
Annah Edmonds
Licensed Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist
221
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Annah’s Answer
Hi Eian,
I am going to answer two questions in one as I noticed another question you had about qualifications. First in terms of salary it varies depending on your location- rural or urban and the cost of living for that area. Hospitals and government positions will pay more than a nonprofit organization or small agency. You can definitely make up to six figures as a mental health counselor, but you will likely need to gain several years (5-10+) of work post-grad to do so and accrue annual pay raises to meet this mark. The pay for a therapist with a recent graduate degree can be abhorrent and not reflect the hours of education and training to gain licensure. In comparison with other careers, even those that do not require graduate work the salaries are poor. And yet, there has been some change in the past few years to improve this aspect. Private practice is known to be a money maker, yet you also need to consider your ability to see clients daily and weekly, your pay rate, and the overhead and miscellaneous costs of running a business. Private practices cannot guarantee a regular flow of clients; you will have to budget wisely. With all these variables (and more) it does help to be prepared as a student for the reality that will greet you at the graduation door! If you choose to become a clinical supervisor or enter into other management roles, you will receive a pay increase. And having the addition of a doctorate degree (PhD or PsyD) will also raise your rates or salary. As with most any career, the work you put into it and your passion for mental health will make the difference.
As for the second question about qualifications, it will depend upon the specific degree and license you will be qualifying for. At the master's level you have choices- social work degree (MSW), clinical mental health counselor (LMHC or LPC), marriage and family counselor (MFT), child and family counselor (CFT), an MS in psychology or MS in addiction counseling, etc. The doctorate comes after the master's but there are some programs that combine both academically so you can streamline your education. Each license has its own licensing board; mine for instance is the ACA (American Counseling Association) and each state has specific DOH (Department of Health) requirements. You will need a certain number of internship and post-graduate hours working directly with clients. You will need ongoing supervision (and a certain number for licensure). You will also need to pass an exam. Typical exams take 2.5 to 3 hours. In addition, there are licensing fees and ongoing education credits you must meet. You first gain what is called an Associate level license. Once you fulfill all licensure obligations you apply for the full license status. This process may take anywhere from 2-5 years. It is all worth it in the end but definitely takes commitment.
I hope this helps!
I am going to answer two questions in one as I noticed another question you had about qualifications. First in terms of salary it varies depending on your location- rural or urban and the cost of living for that area. Hospitals and government positions will pay more than a nonprofit organization or small agency. You can definitely make up to six figures as a mental health counselor, but you will likely need to gain several years (5-10+) of work post-grad to do so and accrue annual pay raises to meet this mark. The pay for a therapist with a recent graduate degree can be abhorrent and not reflect the hours of education and training to gain licensure. In comparison with other careers, even those that do not require graduate work the salaries are poor. And yet, there has been some change in the past few years to improve this aspect. Private practice is known to be a money maker, yet you also need to consider your ability to see clients daily and weekly, your pay rate, and the overhead and miscellaneous costs of running a business. Private practices cannot guarantee a regular flow of clients; you will have to budget wisely. With all these variables (and more) it does help to be prepared as a student for the reality that will greet you at the graduation door! If you choose to become a clinical supervisor or enter into other management roles, you will receive a pay increase. And having the addition of a doctorate degree (PhD or PsyD) will also raise your rates or salary. As with most any career, the work you put into it and your passion for mental health will make the difference.
As for the second question about qualifications, it will depend upon the specific degree and license you will be qualifying for. At the master's level you have choices- social work degree (MSW), clinical mental health counselor (LMHC or LPC), marriage and family counselor (MFT), child and family counselor (CFT), an MS in psychology or MS in addiction counseling, etc. The doctorate comes after the master's but there are some programs that combine both academically so you can streamline your education. Each license has its own licensing board; mine for instance is the ACA (American Counseling Association) and each state has specific DOH (Department of Health) requirements. You will need a certain number of internship and post-graduate hours working directly with clients. You will need ongoing supervision (and a certain number for licensure). You will also need to pass an exam. Typical exams take 2.5 to 3 hours. In addition, there are licensing fees and ongoing education credits you must meet. You first gain what is called an Associate level license. Once you fulfill all licensure obligations you apply for the full license status. This process may take anywhere from 2-5 years. It is all worth it in the end but definitely takes commitment.
I hope this helps!
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Eian, awesome question! 😄 On average, therapists in the U.S. make around $50k to $70k a year. But keep in mind, this can vary a lot—think about your specialty, where you work, and how much experience you build up. Some might start a bit lower, and others, especially in private practice or with a niche focus, can earn much more. It’s a rewarding field both emotionally and, with time, financially. Keep chasing that dream—your passion for helping people is the real MVP here! 😊
Oh and if you're wondering what the salary looks like in your own neck of the woods—like right around Atlantic, Iowa—it might be a bit different than the national average. Generally, therapists in areas with a lower cost of living tend to earn on the lower end of that $50k–$70k range, so you might see figures around $45k to $60k depending on your specialization, experience, and the exact locale. That said, these numbers can really vary, and as you gain experience or move into private practice, things can shift. Keep that passion burning, and remember—it’s not just about the paycheck, but also the impact you make in people’s lives! You got this! 😊 🤗All the best buddy! Hope this helped!
Oh and if you're wondering what the salary looks like in your own neck of the woods—like right around Atlantic, Iowa—it might be a bit different than the national average. Generally, therapists in areas with a lower cost of living tend to earn on the lower end of that $50k–$70k range, so you might see figures around $45k to $60k depending on your specialization, experience, and the exact locale. That said, these numbers can really vary, and as you gain experience or move into private practice, things can shift. Keep that passion burning, and remember—it’s not just about the paycheck, but also the impact you make in people’s lives! You got this! 😊 🤗All the best buddy! Hope this helped!
Kazi Rubayee
Oriental medicine health professional, Acupuncturist, Holistic health practitioner
82
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kazi’s Answer
A therapist is a professional who helps with treatment and rehabilitation. There are many different and diverse ranges of therapists out there, depending on education and specialization.
Usually, therapists get paid well. Mental health fields like psychologists, and psychiatrists, have a higher salary range. Other fields such as social workers, occupational therapists, and massage therapists have a wide range of salaries depending on education experience and work location.
If you decide on the kind of therapy you want to pursue, then you explore the field that interests you most. Also, there are also music therapists and yoga therapists, so you have a broad range to choose from.
All the best,
Usually, therapists get paid well. Mental health fields like psychologists, and psychiatrists, have a higher salary range. Other fields such as social workers, occupational therapists, and massage therapists have a wide range of salaries depending on education experience and work location.
If you decide on the kind of therapy you want to pursue, then you explore the field that interests you most. Also, there are also music therapists and yoga therapists, so you have a broad range to choose from.
All the best,
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Hey there, I believe it is a profession that pays so well. I have a fair idea but i cannot give exact figure. kindly have a read.
Therapist salaries can vary significantly based on specialty, location, and experience. Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, while clinical psychologists and private practice therapists can earn significantly more, reaching $70,000 to $100,000 or more. Therefore, considering your field of interest and desired setting when considering a career in therapy can significantly impact your income.
Therapist salaries can vary significantly based on specialty, location, and experience. Mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000 annually, while clinical psychologists and private practice therapists can earn significantly more, reaching $70,000 to $100,000 or more. Therefore, considering your field of interest and desired setting when considering a career in therapy can significantly impact your income.