National Salary Overview
Marriage and Family Therapists
Median Salary
$65,325
Average (Mean)
$70,623
Employed Nationwide
64,840
VS
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Median Salary
$57,161
Average (Mean)
$62,053
Employed Nationwide
132,190
Marriage and Family Therapists earns $8,163 more (14.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$65,325
$57,161
Average (Mean) Salary
$70,623
$62,053
Total Employment
64,840
132,190
States with Higher Pay
32
13
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 32 states; Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pays more in 13.
| State | Marriage and Family Therapists | Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $49,990 | $41,500 | +$8,490 | ||
| Alaska | $60,010 | $56,710 | +$3,300 | ||
| Arizona | $65,290 | $46,380 | +$18,910 | ||
| Arkansas | $64,340 | $58,590 | +$5,750 | ||
| California | $67,300 | $79,000 | $-11,700 | ||
| Colorado | $60,700 | $65,620 | $-4,920 | ||
| Connecticut | $86,250 | $78,640 | +$7,610 | ||
| Delaware | $76,580 | $60,060 | +$16,520 | ||
| Florida | $56,400 | $51,590 | +$4,810 | ||
| Georgia | $91,550 | $52,030 | +$39,520 | ||
| Hawaii | $141,960 | $54,390 | +$87,570 | ||
| Idaho | $62,700 | $52,520 | +$10,180 | ||
| Illinois | $60,970 | $49,960 | +$11,010 | ||
| Indiana | $56,810 | $48,300 | +$8,510 | ||
| Iowa | $67,180 | $48,530 | +$18,650 | ||
| Kansas | $68,710 | $56,330 | +$12,380 | ||
| Kentucky | $52,420 | $42,570 | +$9,850 | ||
| Maine | $71,680 | $57,050 | +$14,630 | ||
| Maryland | $69,900 | $73,580 | $-3,680 | ||
| Massachusetts | $67,370 | $62,500 | +$4,870 | ||
| Michigan | $52,270 | $60,830 | $-8,560 | ||
| Minnesota | $72,470 | $75,020 | $-2,550 | ||
| Mississippi | $51,440 | $48,970 | +$2,470 | ||
| Missouri | $60,440 | $49,560 | +$10,880 | ||
| Montana | $46,960 | $45,160 | +$1,800 | ||
| Nebraska | $62,610 | $43,240 | +$19,370 | ||
| New Hampshire | $60,030 | $63,900 | $-3,870 | ||
| New Jersey | $92,150 | $66,590 | +$25,560 | ||
| New Mexico | $70,630 | $65,640 | +$4,990 | ||
| New York | $64,430 | $79,380 | $-14,950 | ||
| North Carolina | $48,100 | $58,210 | $-10,110 | ||
| Ohio | $70,240 | $46,080 | +$24,160 | ||
| Oklahoma | $57,670 | $43,120 | +$14,550 | ||
| Oregon | $91,520 | $68,210 | +$23,310 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $66,040 | $48,290 | +$17,750 | ||
| South Carolina | $55,430 | $39,930 | +$15,500 | ||
| South Dakota | $44,870 | $48,920 | $-4,050 | ||
| Tennessee | $46,700 | $46,500 | +$200 | ||
| Texas | $46,300 | $46,630 | $-330 | ||
| Utah | $84,980 | $50,770 | +$34,210 | ||
| Vermont | $62,780 | $73,210 | $-10,430 | ||
| Virginia | $79,900 | $64,240 | +$15,660 | ||
| Washington | $60,000 | $70,460 | $-10,460 | ||
| West Virginia | $55,700 | $50,070 | +$5,630 | ||
| Wisconsin | $37,870 | $61,860 | $-23,990 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Marriage and Family Therapists vs Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $8,163 (14.3%) based on 2025 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 32 out of 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers pays more in 13 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 $65,325 per year, compared to $57,161 for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, according to 2025 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 64,840 Marriage and Family Therapists positions and 132,190 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers positions nationwide (2025).
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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