People considering therapy or counseling as a career often ask, “How much money do family therapists make?” – and rightfully so! Here’s a breakdown of salary earnings for different types of counselors, plus several factors that affect how much therapists earn.
Education and Training for Family and Relationship Therapists
The amount and type of education a person needs to become a licensed professional counselor depends on factors such as the counseling specialty and specific occupation. For instance, an educational, vocational, or school counselor who works with families may require a master’s degree in counseling, while a relationship counselor may need only a diploma in family counseling.
The type of training a counselor needs depends on his or her state or province’s requirements. Most states and provinces require at least a master’s degree in counseling.
Salary and Wage Levels of Different Types of Counselors
According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual earnings of wage and salary for educational, vocational, and school counselors is $260,000. Rehabilitation counselors earn an average of $141,000 per year, and mental health counselors earn $100,000 per year. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors earn $83,000 a year, and marriage and family therapists earn $25,000 per year.
The amount of money a family therapist makes depends not only on education and training, but also the employer. For instance, a nonprofit organization may pay counselors less than, for example, a private college or private rehabilitation center. A family counselor in private practice who sets his or her own rates may earn more than a therapist in a nonprofit organization -- but it depends on the location of the private practice. For instance, a therapist with a practice in a big city may earn more than a therapist in a rural setting or small city.
Job Outlook for Licensed Professional Counselors
There is good news when it comes to the job outlook for licensed professional counselors. The overall employment of all types of counselors is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations, at least until 2016. The job outlook for therapists depends on location and specialty, but overall the forecast is excellent for jobs in counseling.
When choosing a career in counseling or therapy, it’s important to balance one’s natural inclinations (such as an inherent interest in family or marriage dynamics, for example) with salary goals. Learning in advance — before undergraduate and graduate degrees are earned — what types of jobs exist for family counselors and relationship therapists is a great way to start a counseling career!
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Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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