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What can a marriage and family therapist earn in California?

Not surprisingly, California has the highest employment of MFTs in the U.S. But salaries are a different story.

California is a great state to become a marriage and family therapist (MFT) for several reasons, including high demand, favorable licensing standards and a strong emphasis on mental health services. Here are a couple of reasons why the state employs the most MFTs in the U.S., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Quick view of MFTs in California

There are 30,890 people employed as marriage and family therapists in California, making it the number one state in the U.S. for employment of MFT professionals said the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median wage per hour is $31 and the national forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.6%, though O*NET, a BLS subsidiary, says job growth specific to California is 11%, slower than the national average. The reasons are likely because the state already has a high number of licensed MFTs compared to other states. With more therapists available, job growth may slow down as the supply catches up with demand.

Another reason may be the high cost of living in California, which may deter new professionals from entering the field, as MFT salaries in some areas may not be competitive enough to keep up with expenses. That said, here are five high-profile employers of MFTs (not inclusive of those in private practice), in the state:

Salary stats for CA MFTs

While the national median salary for marriage and family therapists lands at $63,780 a year according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pay may vary depending upon several factors, including where you work and live and the cost of living, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education. As a rule, several California metro areas tend to be higher paying than the national average.

What are salaries like in California for marriage and family therapists?

Certain cities in California offer higher than average salaries for MFTs. For instance, ZipRecruiter said Soledad leads for highest annual pay, followed by San Carlos and the San Francisco Bay Area. Because of the affluence of the Bay Area and the presence of Silicon Valley, it makes sense that this would be a top area for wages. Here’s what the BLS said California and its top metro areas paid MFTs:

How does a marriage and family therapist’s salary compare to other counseling careers?

Marriage and family therapists in California generally fall in the middle of the pay scale compared to other types of therapists and counselors. Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) often earn comparable salaries, though LCSWs may have an advantage in certain settings like hospitals or government agencies, where demand for their skills in case management and social services is high.

Clinical psychologists tend to earn more than MFTs due to their doctoral-level training, ability to conduct psychological testing and broader scope of practice, particularly in clinical and academic settings. On the other hand, substance abuse counselors and school counselors (especially those without advanced licensure) typically earn less than MFTs, as their roles may not require the same level of education, clinical training or licensure. However, pay differences may also depend on work setting, specialization and geographic location, with therapists in private practice or high-demand areas potentially earning more than those in community or nonprofit roles.

Here’s how the BLS compared national median pay rates among different types of psychology professionals:

Salary range for MFTs in California

The salary range for MFTs in California typically spans from $44,430 for the lowest 10% to well over $121,700 for the upper 10% of professionals in the field per year. The lowest and highest 10% salaries take into consideration these types of factors:

Experience level:

• Entry-level MFTs: Often earn salaries on the lower end of the spectrum due to limited clinical experience.
• Experienced MFTs: With years of practice and specialized skills, these professionals can command higher salaries.

Geographic location:

• High-cost areas: Urban centers like San Francisco and Los Angeles typically offer higher salaries to match the elevated cost of living.
• Rural areas: Positions in less populated regions may offer lower compensation due to reduced demand and cost of living.

Workplace:

• Private practice: MFTs in private practice have the potential for higher earnings, especially with a robust client base.
• Nonprofit organizations: These settings may offer lower salaries due to budget constraints but can provide other benefits like loan forgiveness programs.

Specializations and certifications:

• Specialized training: MFTs with expertise in areas such as trauma, substance abuse or child therapy may have access to higher-paying opportunities.
• Additional certifications: Holding certifications beyond the standard licensure can enhance earning potential.

What is the job growth for the field?

Employment of marriage and family therapists is expected to grow 12.6% through 2034, which is much faster than the national average for all occupations. Take a look at the highest level of employment metro areas in the country. As you can see, California is a major player, accounting for its #1 ranking for employment, said the BLS:

National employment numbers by metro area

Factors affecting MFT salaries in California

Several factors impact pay levels for marriage and family therapists in California, influencing whether an MFT earns on the lower or higher end of the salary spectrum:

Your experience and licensure:

• Pre-licensed (Associate MFT–AMFT): Typically earns less due to the requirement of supervised hours before full licensure.
• Licensed MFT (LMFT): Can negotiate higher salaries or build a private practice.
• Years of experience: Therapists with extensive clinical experience, supervision roles, or leadership positions tend to earn more.

The geographic location and cost of living:

• High-paying areas: Major cities with high living costs (San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego) tend to offer higher salaries.
• Lower-paying areas: Rural or lower-cost-of-living regions may have fewer resources and lower salaries.

Where you work:

• Private practice: Established MFTs with a strong client base can set their own rates.
• Healthcare, HMOs and hospitals: Typically pay more due to medical benefits and insurance reimbursement structures.
• Government agencies: Offers stable employment with competitive pay and benefits.
• Nonprofits and community mental health: Often have budget constraints but may offer loan forgiveness.
• Schools and educational institutions: Pay can vary, but often lower than hospitals or private practice.
• Benefits offered: Some organizations offer retirement plans, tuition reimbursement or loan forgiveness programs, which can compensate for a lower base salary.

Insurance and reimbursement:

• Insurance: MFTs who accept insurance may earn less per session but gain more clients.
• Cash-pay private practices: Can set higher rates but require strong marketing and networking.

What’s the education path to become an MFT in CA?

To become a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in California, follow this education and licensing path:

Earn a bachelor’s degree (four years)

• Any major is acceptable, but psychology, social work or counseling-related fields are recommended.

Complete a master’s degree in MFT or a related field (two to three years)

• Must be from a COAMFTE- or BBS-approved program.
• Requires at least 60 semester units covering therapy theories, ethics, law, assessment and diversity.

Register as an Associate MFT (AMFT)

• Apply to the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) after earning your degree.
• Pass a criminal background check and get a supervisor.

Complete 3,000 supervised hours (two to six years)

• Includes direct client work, supervision, and training under a licensed supervisor (LMFT, LCSW, LPCC or psychologist).

Pass California licensing exams

• California Law and Ethics Exam (taken as an AMFT).
• National MFT Exam (after completing hours).

Apply for LMFT license

• Submit final application to the BBS and receive your Licensed MFT (LMFT) credential.

California’s cost of living considerations

California’s cost of living is notably higher than the national average, with a Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 112.6, indicating that prices are approximately 12.6% above the U.S. average, said the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Three high-cost metropolitan areas:

Three more affordable areas for MFTs:

Resources for California MFTs

There are several resources and professional associations for MFTs in California. These contacts can help with advocacy, networking, legislative issues, pay issues and licensing.

From the progressive policies shaping mental health care to the sheer demand for therapists in a fast-paced, high-pressure economy, California provides an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of people. Use this salary guide to help make an informed decision about becoming an MFT in the state.