National Salary Overview
Marriage and Family Therapists
Median Salary
$55,792
Average (Mean)
$61,738
Employed Nationwide
61,670
VS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Median Salary
$54,035
Average (Mean)
$58,677
Employed Nationwide
397,880
Marriage and Family Therapists earns $1,757 more (3.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$55,792
$54,035
Average (Mean) Salary
$61,738
$58,677
Total Employment
61,670
397,880
States with Higher Pay
28
17
Salary by State: Marriage and Family Therapists vs Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Showing 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. Marriage and Family Therapists pays more in 28 states; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pays more in 17.
| State | Marriage and Family Therapists | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $51,590 | $44,890 | +$6,700 | ||
| Alaska | $66,290 | $70,860 | $-4,570 | ||
| Arizona | $49,600 | $58,640 | $-9,040 | ||
| Arkansas | $41,600 | $56,730 | $-15,130 | ||
| California | $52,230 | $58,080 | $-5,850 | ||
| Colorado | $60,990 | $58,110 | +$2,880 | ||
| Connecticut | $59,160 | $58,710 | +$450 | ||
| Delaware | $60,130 | $45,810 | +$14,320 | ||
| Florida | $46,000 | $52,260 | $-6,260 | ||
| Georgia | $57,870 | $48,290 | +$9,580 | ||
| Hawaii | $62,120 | $46,740 | +$15,380 | ||
| Idaho | $70,540 | $58,360 | +$12,180 | ||
| Illinois | $49,710 | $57,500 | $-7,790 | ||
| Indiana | $53,770 | $45,510 | +$8,260 | ||
| Iowa | $37,980 | $59,000 | $-21,020 | ||
| Kansas | $54,250 | $50,990 | +$3,260 | ||
| Kentucky | $54,300 | $47,060 | +$7,240 | ||
| Louisiana | $64,980 | $36,430 | +$28,550 | ||
| Maine | $63,580 | $53,900 | +$9,680 | ||
| Maryland | $67,050 | $54,460 | +$12,590 | ||
| Massachusetts | $66,470 | $54,920 | +$11,550 | ||
| Michigan | $49,060 | $56,160 | $-7,100 | ||
| Minnesota | $65,870 | $51,130 | +$14,740 | ||
| Mississippi | $46,280 | $42,010 | +$4,270 | ||
| Missouri | $63,580 | $48,130 | +$15,450 | ||
| Nebraska | $33,430 | $58,320 | $-24,890 | ||
| New Hampshire | $54,960 | $54,470 | +$490 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,030 | $60,250 | +$25,780 | ||
| New Mexico | $59,170 | $62,120 | $-2,950 | ||
| New York | $59,440 | $59,740 | $-300 | ||
| North Carolina | $49,410 | $51,790 | $-2,380 | ||
| North Dakota | $62,170 | $61,240 | +$930 | ||
| Ohio | $57,540 | $50,580 | +$6,960 | ||
| Oklahoma | $54,270 | $57,190 | $-2,920 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $62,790 | $50,450 | +$12,340 | ||
| South Carolina | $31,300 | $47,480 | $-16,180 | ||
| South Dakota | $48,790 | $48,520 | +$270 | ||
| Tennessee | $44,180 | $45,490 | $-1,310 | ||
| Texas | $59,430 | $52,190 | +$7,240 | ||
| Utah | $77,600 | $62,870 | +$14,730 | ||
| Vermont | $48,650 | $56,980 | $-8,330 | ||
| Virginia | $57,940 | $54,590 | +$3,350 | ||
| Washington | $66,670 | $58,540 | +$8,130 | ||
| West Virginia | $50,550 | $44,140 | +$6,410 | ||
| Wisconsin | $31,340 | $58,740 | $-27,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Marriage and Family Therapists or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
On average across all states, a Marriage and Family Therapists earns more than a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. The national median salary difference is $1,757 (3.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Marriage and Family Therapists earn more than a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
A Marriage and Family Therapists earns a higher median salary than a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in 28 out of 45 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pays more in 17 states.
What is the median salary for a Marriage and Family Therapists vs Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The national median salary for a Marriage and Family Therapists is $55,792 per year, compared to $54,035 for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Marriage and Family Therapists or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
There are more people employed as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. BLS reports approximately 61,670 Marriage and Family Therapists positions and 397,880 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Marriage and Family Therapists or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Both Marriage and Family Therapists and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors 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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