By: All Psychology Schools Staff
Updated: January 15, 2026
Marriage & Family Therapist State Salary Guides
What can a marriage and family therapist earn in Minnesota?
If you’re looking for a destination to practice as an MFT you couldn’t find a better state for salary and employment than Minnesota.
Minnesota is an excellent state for marriage and family therapists due to a combination of strong demand, supportive policies and funding for mental health services. Here are three unique reasons to consider Minnesota:
Progressive mental health policy:
Minnesota has some of the most progressive mental health policies in the country, including strong parity laws that ensure mental health services are covered at the same level as physical health care. The state’s Medicaid program covers MFT services, allowing therapists to serve a broad population, including low-income clients.
Demand for services and strong state investment:
The state actively invests in behavioral health workforce development to address shortages, particularly in rural areas. The Minnesota Department of Health offers loan repayment and tuition reimbursement programs for MFTs willing to work in underserved communities, making it an attractive state for new graduates.
Integrative healthcare role model:
Minnesota is a leader in integrating mental health into primary care and community settings. Programs like Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) and School-Linked Mental Health Services provide MFTs with diverse employment opportunities beyond private practice, ensuring job stability and career growth.
Quick view of MFTs in Minnesota
There are 4,230 people employed as marriage and family therapists in Minnesota, making it the second highest 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 $35 and the national forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.6%, though O*NET, a BLS subsidiary, says job growth specific to Minnesota is 15%, slower than the national average, but much faster growth than all other careers. They also estimated that Minnesota would add 170 MFT positions each year over the next five to 10 years.
The BLS also stated that Minnesota was second for highest concentration of jobs. In Minnesota, MFTs can find employment across various healthcare settings, utilizing their specialized skills to address mental health and relational issues. Here are five employers in the state and how they integrate MFT expertise:
- Essentia Health, Duluth and statewide:
- Essentia Health employs MFTs in roles such as psychotherapists, where they provide individual, group and family therapy. They conduct mental health assessments, diagnostics and coordinate treatment services, addressing a range of mental and emotional disorders within the context of family systems.
- Hazeldon Betty Ford Foundation, Center City:
- As a leading addiction treatment provider, Hazelden Betty Ford integrates MFTs to assess, diagnose and treat co-occurring mental health conditions alongside substance use disorders. MFTs offer individual and family therapy to support recovery and address relationship dynamics affected by addiction.
- Headway, Minneapolis and vicinity:
- Headway offers remote opportunities for MFTs to conduct psychotherapy sessions with individuals, couples and families. Therapists provide mental health services, including assessments and therapeutic interventions, ensuring accessible care across Minnesota.
- Karis Health, Osseo:
- Karis Health employs MFTs to conduct therapy sessions with individuals, couples and families, focusing on mental and behavioral health issues. Therapists address a range of challenges, including trauma, depression, anxiety and relationship conflicts, utilizing their expertise in family systems to promote healing and well-being.
- Twin Cities CBT Center, St. Paul:
- At Twin Cities CBT Center, MFTs work with children and families, providing therapy that addresses behavioral and emotional challenges. Therapists engage in family counseling sessions to improve consistency and support within the family unit, utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques to promote positive outcomes.
Salary stats for MN 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 in Minnesota and the cost of living, how much experience you have, what certifications you have earned and your level of education.
What are salaries like in Minnesota for marriage and family therapists?
Minnesota as a state offers higher than average salaries, with the BLS stating MFTs earned a median of $72,370. Most cities and regions in Minnesota also offered higher than average salaries for MFTs. Duluth, Minneapolis, Rochester and Mankato are all significantly higher, with the BLS noting that the northwest, southwest and northeast regions of the state in the top five for pay in the U.S. Additionally, the BLS said the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington area ranked fifth for highest employment in the U.S., and the Mankato-North Mankato metro area ranked second in the U.S. for highest concentration of jobs. you can take a closer look at salaries in the state here:
Marriage and Family Therapists
10%$48,020
25%$59,720
50%$72,370Median
75%$82,870
90%$99,130
Median Hourly Wage$35
Job growth12.6%
Total Employment3,780
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mankato, MN | $81,020 | $53,940 | $98,250 |
| Rochester, MN | $75,450 | $45,980 | $93,660 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $72,910 | $47,140 | $101,110 |
| St. Cloud, MN | $67,610 | $44,270 | $94,860 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $61,040 | $47,990 | $99,840 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
How does a marriage and family therapist’s salary compare to other counseling careers?
Marriage and family therapists in Minnesota generally fall in the middle of the pay scale compared to other types of therapists and counselors.
Here’s how the BLS compared national median pay rates among different types of psychology professionals:
Salary range for MFTs in Minnesota
The salary range for MFTs in Minnesota typically spans from $48,020 for the lowest 10% to well over $99,130 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 hubs such as Minneapolis and Duluth 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, and can set rates and hours.
- 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 specialized areas such may have access to higher-paying opportunities.
- Additional certifications: Holding certifications beyond the two tiers of standard licensure may also help 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 according to the BLS. As you can see, Minneapolis’ metro area ranks fifth for employment.
National employment numbers by metro area
Factors affecting marriage and family therapist salaries in Minnesota
Several factors influence Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) salaries in Minnesota, with some unique aspects specific to the state:
- Location and rural incentives:
- The Twin Cities area offers the highest salaries due to high demand and a strong healthcare network. Rural areas have significant therapist shortages, leading to loan repayment programs, tuition reimbursement and higher salary incentives for MFTs willing to work in underserved regions. Minnesota’s Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) designations provide financial incentives that may boost earnings.
- Employment setting:
- MFTs in hospital systems, major healthcare organizations (Mayo Clinic, Essentia Health) and government-funded programs may earn higher salaries compared to private practice. Minnesota’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) offer stable, salaried positions for MFTs, often with benefits that add to overall compensation.
- Minnesota parity laws:
- Minnesota has strong mental health parity laws, requiring insurance companies to cover mental health services comparably to physical health services. The state’s Medicaid program (Medical Assistance) covers MFT services, ensuring a steady client base but with lower reimbursement rates compared to private insurance.
- Education, experience and licensure:
- Entry-level MFTs (pre-licensure, LMFT candidates) typically earn lower wages, often working under supervision. Fully licensed MFTs and those with specialized certifications may earn higher salaries. Supervisors and those who obtain an Approved Supervisor credential may increase earnings by mentoring new therapists.
- Demand for telehealth and remote work:
- The state has a growing telehealth market, allowing MFTs to serve clients across Minnesota, including rural and underserved communities.
Many employers now offer remote therapy positions, increasing job opportunities and salary potential for therapists outside major metro areas.
What’s the education path to become an MFT in MN?
To become a marriage and family therapist in Minnesota, you must complete several educational and licensing steps. Here’s the full education path:
Earn a bachelor’s degree
- You must first complete a bachelor’s degree (typically in psychology, social work, counseling or a related field). While any major is acceptable, coursework in human development, psychology or family studies can be helpful for graduate studies.
Complete a master’s degree in MFT or a related field or a doctorate
- Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in MFT or a closely related field from a COAMFTE- or CACREP-accredited program.
- Programs typically take two to three years and include a supervised practicum/internship.
Complete postgraduate supervised experience
- After earning your degree, you must complete 4,000 hours of supervised experience, which must include 1,000 hours of direct client contact and 200 hours of supervision (100 must be individual supervision).
- At least 50% of clinical hours must be with couples or families to ensure training in relational therapy.
Pass national MFT exam
- You must pass the Marriage and Family Therapy National Examination administered by the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB). The exam covers assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning and ethics.
Apply for licensure as an LMFT
- Submit an application to the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy (MN BMFT) with proof of education, supervised hours and exam scores. Once approved, you will receive your Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) credential.
Keep up with continuing education requirements
- LMFTs in Minnesota must renew their license every two years and complete 40 hours of continuing education, including three hours of ethics and three hours in supervision.
Minnesota’s cost of living considerations
Minnesota’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average, though it varies across different regions within the state. This is great news considering salaries are almost across the board higher than the national average. Here’s how RentCafe broke down the data:
- Overall cost of living: Minnesota’s cost of living index is approximately 4% lower than the national average.
- Housing costs: Housing expenses in Minnesota are about 15% lower than the national average, making it an affordable state for homeowners and renters alike.
- Utility expenses: Utility costs are 4% lower than the national average, contributing to overall affordability.
- Healthcare costs: Healthcare services, including doctor visits and dental care, are approximately 8% higher than the national average.
Resources for Minnesota 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.
Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT): MAMFT advocates for the MFT profession in Minnesota, working on issues such as licensure, professional ethics and public policy.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT): While national, AAMFT has a strong presence in Minnesota and offers advocacy for MFTs at the state and national levels. They work to influence policy and legislation affecting mental health and the therapy profession.
Mental Health Providers Association of Minnesota (MHPAM): MHPAM advocates for mental health professionals in Minnesota, including MFTs, focusing on legal and ethical issues, licensure concerns and healthcare reform.
From the progressive policies shaping mental health care to the solid demand for therapists in a higher-paying state, Minnesota provides an unparalleled opportunity to make a lasting impact in the lives of people. Use our salary guide to help make an informed decision about becoming an MFT in the state.