By: All Psychology Schools Staff
Updated: January 16, 2026
Marriage & Family Therapist Degree and Career Guide
Marriage & Family Therapist State Salary Guides
Marriage and family therapist salaries in North Carolina
Whether working in private practice or a larger healthcare setting, MFTs may find stability and a growing client base in the state.
North Carolina is an attractive state for MFTs due to its clear licensure process, high demand for services, legislative support for telehealth and diverse job opportunities. Whether working in private practice or a larger healthcare setting, MFTs may find stability and a growing client base in the state. Here are three reasons to consider NC:
Shortage of MFTs:
With fewer than a thousand MFTs in a state of over 10 million people, demand may be high, particularly in underserved rural areas.
Growing focus on mental health:
Like many states, North Carolina has been increasing funding and resources for mental health, particularly in response to the opioid crisis, family disruptions and the impact of COVID-19 on mental well-being.
Military and veteran presence:
With the strong military presence of Fort Bragg, there’s a need for therapists specializing in PTSD, family reintegration and military-specific issues, making it a unique opportunity for MFTs trained in trauma-informed care.
Quick view of MFTs in North Carolina
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 900 people are employed as marriage and family therapists in North Carolina. The median wage per hour is $26 and the national forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.6%.
How does the state support MFTs?
North Carolina stands out as a supportive place for Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) due to several key factors, including legislative regulations, demand for mental health services and the overall environment for practitioners.
- Structured licensure system: North Carolina has a clear, well-organized pathway for MFT licensure, ensuring practitioners are well-qualified while allowing them to practice under supervision as LMFTAs.
- Telehealth access: North Carolina has been expanding telehealth access, which benefits MFTs by allowing them to see clients remotely, increasing accessibility for both urban and rural populations.
- Collaborative professional environment: The state encourages interdisciplinary work, so MFTs often collaborate with social workers, psychologists and medical professionals. Plus, MFTs can work in private practice, community agencies, schools, hospitals or with faith-based organizations.
- Work-life balance: Compared to other states, North Carolina offers a relatively low cost of living, making it more financially feasible for MFTs to set up private practices or work in agency settings.
- Growing and diverse population: NC is home to a mix of urban professionals, rural communities, college students, military families and retirees—all of whom have distinct therapy needs. Additionally, Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham are experiencing population booms, leading to greater demand for family therapists in urban and suburban settings.
- Interstate compact potential: North Carolina has considered participation in the Counseling Compact, which would allow easier license portability across states. If this extends to MFTs, it could further enhance job flexibility.
Marriage and family therapists in North Carolina have diverse employment opportunities across various settings. Here are five notable organizations that frequently hire MFTs in the state:
- Southeastern Behavioral Healthcare Services, Lumberton:
- Based in Lumberton, this organization offers outpatient assessments and counseling services to children, youth, families and adults. They have been actively hiring outpatient therapists, providing opportunities for MFTs to engage in community-based mental health services.
- Foundations Family Therapy, Statewide locations:
- With multiple locations, including Raleigh and Fuquay-Varina, Foundations Family Therapy specializes in individual, couples and family therapy. They emphasize a collaborative approach to mental health, making them a significant employer for MFTs in the region.
- Brightside Health, Remote access:
- A telehealth provider offering virtual mental health services, Brightside Health has been recruiting licensed MFTs for telehealth positions in North Carolina. This platform allows therapists to provide flexible, remote care to clients statewide.
- ECU Health, Greenville:
- Located in Greenville, ECU Health Medical Center is a comprehensive healthcare facility that has advertised positions for MFTs, particularly in roles addressing family therapy and mental health services within a hospital setting.
- Appalachian State University, Boone:
- As part of their academic offerings, Appalachian State University has sought professionals for roles such as Assistant/Associate Professor in marriage and family therapy, providing opportunities for MFTs interested in academia and clinical supervision.
Salary stats for North Carolina 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. With that in mind, North Carolina’s median pay comes in under the national figure, at $53,910, but there are several cities in the state—such as Charlottesville and Virginia Beach—that pay MFTs exceptionally well
What are salaries like in NC for marriage and family therapists?
Certain cities in North Carolina offer higher than average salaries for MFTs. For instance, the BLS said the Virginia Beach-Norfolk area offers a median annual salary of around $73,000, though the majority of metro areas are under the national median. Here’s what the BLS said North Carolina metro areas paid MFTs:
Marriage and Family Therapists
10%$42,000
25%$46,320
50%$53,910Median
75%$75,090
90%$81,440
Median Hourly Wage$26
Job growth12.6%
Total Employment2,110
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $105,530 | $43,530 | $105,530 |
| Durham-Chapel Hill, NC | $81,210 | $46,480 | $81,440 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $69,580 | $46,470 | $112,660 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $55,090 | $43,150 | $83,360 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $50,250 | $42,670 | $79,310 |
| Asheville, NC | $44,940 | $26,450 | $57,380 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $43,360 | $24,510 | $55,370 |
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?
In North Carolina, MFTs typically earn salaries comparable to, but slightly lower than, clinical psychologists and licensed professional counselors (LPCs), with an average annual salary ranging from $50,000 to $65,000, depending on experience and location. Clinical psychologists generally earn more, often $80,000 or higher, due to their advanced training and doctorate requirements. Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) fall in a similar range as MFTs, though those in medical or hospital settings may earn more. School counselors and substance abuse counselors often earn slightly less, typically in the $45,000 to $60,000 range. However, salaries can vary widely based on factors like specialization, work setting, and experience.
Here’s how the BLS compared national median pay rates among different types of psychology professionals:
Salary range for MFTs in North Carolina
The salary range for MFTs in North Carolina typically spans from $42,000 for the lowest 10% to well over $81,440 for the upper 10% of professionals in the field per year.
In North Carolina, specialized MFT roles may lead to higher salaries, particularly in high-demand or advanced practice areas. Some of the best-paying MFT specializations include:
- Medical Family Therapy (MedFT):
- MFTs who work in hospitals, integrated healthcare settings or private medical practices may earn more due to their specialized knowledge of mental health in medical environments.
- Forensic MFT:
- Working within the legal system, correctional facilities or as expert witnesses may boost earnings, especially with additional forensic psychology training.
- Trauma and PTSD specialization:
- MFTs focusing on trauma therapy, working with veterans, abuse survivors or first responders may qualify for higher pay, especially in government or nonprofit roles.
- Private practice with niche focus:
- Specializing in high-demand areas like high-conflict couples, LGBTQ+ therapy or sex therapy may allow for premium rates in private practice.
- Supervisor or administrative positions:
- Becoming an MFT supervisor, clinical director or program coordinator in agencies or healthcare settings may significantly increase earnings.
- Shift to telehealth options:
- Expanding into online therapy or employee assistance programs (EAPs) may offer higher earnings, particularly for experienced therapists.
Pursuing certifications, such as AAMFT Clinical Fellow, EMD, or Gottman Method, may also 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 according to the BLS. As you can see, no North Carolina metro areas rank for employment.
National employment numbers by metro area
Factors affecting MFT salaries in NC
Here are factors specific to North Carolina that can impact an MFT’s salary:
- Urban vs. rural:
- Salaries are generally higher in urban areas like Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham, where demand and cost of living are greater. In contrast, rural areas may offer lower pay but potentially lower competition.
- Large military and veteran presence:
- With major military bases like Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune, there is a demand for MFTs specializing in PTSD, trauma and family counseling for military personnel and veterans, often leading to higher pay in government-funded roles.
- Licensing and Medicaid payment:
- North Carolina has specific licensing requirements for MFTs, and Medicaid reimbursement rules can impact salaries for those working with low-income populations, affecting earning potential in community mental health settings.
- Growing telehealth services:
- North Carolina has expanded telehealth services, allowing MFTs to see more clients remotely, which may increase income. However, insurance reimbursement rates for MFTs compared to other therapists may affect overall earnings.
- Universities and research institutions:
- With institutions like Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill and Wake Forest, MFTs in academic, research or university counseling center settings may have opportunities for higher salaries, grants or specialized clinical work.
What is the education path to become an MFT in NC?
To become a marriage and family therapist in North Carolina, you will need to follow these steps:
- First, earn a bachelor’s degree:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, social work, counseling or a related field. While an MFT-specific undergraduate major isn’t required, coursework in psychology and human development is beneficial.
- Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in MFT:
- Enroll in a COAMFTE or CACREP-accredited master’s or doctoral program in marriage and family therapy or a closely related field. The program must include coursework in systemic therapy, ethics, assessment and clinical interventions, plus supervised clinical training.
- Complete your clinical supervised experience:
- After earning your degree, you must complete 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience, including 1,000 hours of direct client contact (500+ with couples or families) and 200 hours of supervision (100+ with an AAMFT-approved supervisor). This takes about two to three years post-graduation.
- Pass the national MFT exam:
- Take and pass the AMFTRB National Examination in Marriage and Family Therapy. The exam covers theoretical models, clinical treatment, ethics and professional practice.
- Apply for NC licensure:
- Submit an application to the North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board (NCMFTLB) along with proof of education and supervised experience, MFT exam scores and pass a background check and pay required fees.
- Obtain your license and complete continuing education:
- You’ll first receive an LMFTA (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Associate) license, and after completing supervision hours, you can apply for full LMFT licensure. You must maintain licensure in good standing with continuing education (20 hours per year, including ethics training).
Cost of living in NC
North Carolina’s cost of living is approximately 4% lower than the national average, making it a relatively affordable state to reside in.
Housing costs are also notably economical, with the median home price around $369,500, slightly below the national median.
However, expenses can vary significantly across different cities. For Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) considering relocation, Raleigh-Cary, Wilmington and Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia are among the more expensive areas, reflecting higher housing and living costs.
On the other side of the spectrum, cities like Eden, Rocky Mount and Fayetteville offer more affordable living options, with costs up to 27% lower than the national average.
These cost of living are crucial for MFTs to consider when evaluating salary offers and overall compensation in different regions of North Carolina.
Resources for MFTs
North Carolina has state-specific professional groups for marriage and family therapists that provide networking, advocacy, and continuing education opportunities. MFTs might consider joining:
North Carolina Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (NCAMFT): The primary professional organization for MFTs in the state, affiliated with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). It offers licensing support, professional development and networking events.
North Carolina Marriage and Family Therapy Licensure Board (NCMFTLB): While not a professional association, this board regulates MFT licensure in NC and ensures compliance with state laws.
North Carolina Counseling Association (NCCA): While primarily for licensed professional counselors, MFTs may join for advocacy efforts, workshops and networking with other mental health professionals.
Becoming an MFT in North Carolina can be shaped by location, specialization and career choices. While wages may not always be as high as other states, the lower cost of living in many areas may help stretch salaries. Use our salary guide to help make an informed decision about education and pay and becoming an MFT in the state.