National Salary Overview
Marriage and Family Therapists
Median Salary
$55,792
Average (Mean)
$61,738
Employed Nationwide
61,670
VS
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Median Salary
$53,607
Average (Mean)
$57,156
Employed Nationwide
114,690
Marriage and Family Therapists earns $2,184 more (4.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$55,792
$53,607
Average (Mean) Salary
$61,738
$57,156
Total Employment
61,670
114,690
States with Higher Pay
29
16
Salary by State: Marriage and Family Therapists vs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Showing 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. Marriage and Family Therapists pays more in 29 states; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pays more in 16.
| State | Marriage and Family Therapists | Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $51,590 | $37,870 | +$13,720 | ||
| Alaska | $66,290 | $60,120 | +$6,170 | ||
| Arizona | $49,600 | $45,100 | +$4,500 | ||
| Arkansas | $41,600 | $45,910 | $-4,310 | ||
| California | $52,230 | $71,450 | $-19,220 | ||
| Colorado | $60,990 | $60,450 | +$540 | ||
| Connecticut | $59,160 | $78,720 | $-19,560 | ||
| Delaware | $60,130 | $54,550 | +$5,580 | ||
| Florida | $46,000 | $50,900 | $-4,900 | ||
| Georgia | $57,870 | $47,340 | +$10,530 | ||
| Hawaii | $62,120 | $55,570 | +$6,550 | ||
| Idaho | $70,540 | $48,040 | +$22,500 | ||
| Illinois | $49,710 | $49,550 | +$160 | ||
| Indiana | $53,770 | $50,950 | +$2,820 | ||
| Iowa | $37,980 | $48,850 | $-10,870 | ||
| Kansas | $54,250 | $51,660 | +$2,590 | ||
| Kentucky | $54,300 | $44,820 | +$9,480 | ||
| Louisiana | $64,980 | $44,300 | +$20,680 | ||
| Maine | $63,580 | $66,380 | $-2,800 | ||
| Maryland | $67,050 | $55,060 | +$11,990 | ||
| Massachusetts | $66,470 | $61,760 | +$4,710 | ||
| Michigan | $49,060 | $57,290 | $-8,230 | ||
| Minnesota | $65,870 | $65,890 | $-20 | ||
| Mississippi | $46,280 | $45,540 | +$740 | ||
| Missouri | $63,580 | $38,150 | +$25,430 | ||
| Nebraska | $33,430 | $45,180 | $-11,750 | ||
| New Hampshire | $54,960 | $71,760 | $-16,800 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,030 | $69,980 | +$16,050 | ||
| New Mexico | $59,170 | $55,380 | +$3,790 | ||
| New York | $59,440 | $75,960 | $-16,520 | ||
| North Carolina | $49,410 | $53,220 | $-3,810 | ||
| North Dakota | $62,170 | $55,850 | +$6,320 | ||
| Ohio | $57,540 | $45,150 | +$12,390 | ||
| Oklahoma | $54,270 | $37,740 | +$16,530 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $62,790 | $45,700 | +$17,090 | ||
| South Carolina | $31,300 | $48,220 | $-16,920 | ||
| South Dakota | $48,790 | $43,990 | +$4,800 | ||
| Tennessee | $44,180 | $43,890 | +$290 | ||
| Texas | $59,430 | $45,350 | +$14,080 | ||
| Utah | $77,600 | $46,040 | +$31,560 | ||
| Vermont | $48,650 | $61,070 | $-12,420 | ||
| Virginia | $57,940 | $58,070 | $-130 | ||
| Washington | $66,670 | $64,850 | +$1,820 | ||
| West Virginia | $50,550 | $37,740 | +$12,810 | ||
| Wisconsin | $31,340 | $51,540 | $-20,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Marriage and Family Therapists or Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
On average across all states, a Marriage and Family Therapists earns more than a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. The national median salary difference is $2,184 (4.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Marriage and Family Therapists earn more than a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
A Marriage and Family Therapists earns a higher median salary than a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in 29 out of 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pays more in 16 states.
What is the median salary for a Marriage and Family Therapists vs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
The national median salary for a Marriage and Family Therapists is $55,792 per year, compared to $53,607 for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Marriage and Family Therapists or Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
There are more people employed as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers. BLS reports approximately 61,670 Marriage and Family Therapists positions and 114,690 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Marriage and Family Therapists or Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
Both Marriage and Family Therapists and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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