By: All Psychology Schools Staff
Updated: January 15, 2026
Marriage & Family Therapist Degree and Career Guide
Marriage & Family Therapist State Salary Guides
What can a marriage and family therapist earn in Ohio?
With the drug crisis affecting families and individuals, Ohio may provide opportunity—and challenges—for aspiring MFTs.
Ohio has struggled with a significant drug problem, particularly with the opioid epidemic. The state has had high rates of opioid overdoses, including fentanyl and heroin, as well as issues with methamphetamine and cocaine use. This has led to widespread concerns about addiction, mental health and family instability.
Given these challenges, Ohio could be an important place for a marriage and family therapist (MFT) to practice. Substance abuse often strains relationships and family dynamics, creating a strong need for therapists who can help individuals and families cope. However, there are a few reasons why there might be barriers to entering the field:
Licensing:
Ohio has historically had strict licensing requirements for MFTs compared to other states, making it harder to enter the field.
Preference for other credentialed professionals:
Many mental health jobs in Ohio tend to go to licensed professional clinical counselors (LPCCs), social workers (LISWs), and psychologists rather than MFTs.
Lack of graduate programs:
Given its strict education and licensing requirements, Ohio has fewer graduate programs available compared to other states with more schools offering MFT degrees. This may influence how many professionals stay in-state to work.
Quick view of MFTs in Ohio
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 350 people are employed as marriage and family therapists in Ohio. The median wage per hour is $31 and the national forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.6%.
Why are there so few MFTs in Ohio?
Even though there is a need for MFTs, some areas of Ohio may not have strong awareness or recognition of what MFTs do compared to other mental health professionals. Combined with the reasons listed above and other reasons such as difficulties getting insurance reimbursement for services may make it less attractive to work there.
Despite these sorts of potential obstacles, if you’re willing to navigate challenges, the demand for mental health services—especially those dealing with the types of issues MFTs face— is high. Here’s a look at just five employers of MFTs in Ohio:
- Mindfully Therapy, Dublin:
- This behavioral health agency provides individual, couples and family therapy services, addressing a wide range of mental health issues.
- Pipeline To God, Beachwood/Cleveland:
- Delivers marriage, relationship and family counseling, focusing on the unique struggles clients face in their everyday lives.
- Waymark, Remote statewide services:
- Provides remote mental health counseling to patients with varying behavioral health conditions, including triaging patients and deploying evidence-based treatment modalities.
- Married Life Counseling, Akron:
- Offers therapeutic and coaching services, providing practical support and interventions to help individuals and families navigate various challenges.
- The Marriage & Family Institute, Columbus, statewide remote:
- Specializes in child and adolescent therapy, employing MFTs to address family dynamics and individual mental health needs.
Salary stats for MFTs in Ohio
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. However the BLS does not report any Ohio metro areas for either highest employment of MFTs, or for pay, in the U.S.
What are salaries like in Ohio for marriage and family therapists?
Certain cities in Ohio offer higher than average salaries for MFTs. For instance, Cleveland and Columbus both offer median annual salaries that are higher than the national median, though Cincinnati’s median pay for MFTs is lower than the national median. Here’s what the BLS said Ohio and its top metro areas paid MFTs:
Marriage and Family Therapists
10%$40,230
25%$41,600
50%$63,880Median
75%$96,220
90%$154,770
Median Hourly Wage$31
Job growth12.6%
Total Employment710
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | $69,300 | $40,890 | $160,160 |
| Toledo, OH | $66,000 | $40,430 | $152,560 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $60,470 | $41,750 | $157,560 |
| Cleveland, OH | $41,600 | $41,600 | $156,980 |
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 Ohio generally earn less than some other mental health professionals, but their salaries vary widely based on factors like experience, location and work setting. While MFT salaries in Ohio tend to fall between $45,000 and $80,000, other counseling roles, such as licensed mental health counselors and general therapists, may earn slightly higher averages, sometimes reaching the mid-$70,000s or more.
Here’s how the BLS compared national median pay rates among different types of psychology and therapy professionals:
Salary range for MFTs in Ohio
The salary range for MFTs in Ohio typically spans from $40,230 for the lowest 10% to well over $154,770 for the upper 10% of professionals in the field per year, said the BLS.
However, those specializing in high-demand areas like addiction treatment, trauma counseling and family therapy within healthcare systems may earn competitive wages.
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. The job growth outlook for MFTs in Ohio is still positive but slightly below the national average. O*Net, a subsidiary of the BLS, said employment of MFTs is expected to grow by 13% through 2030, with projected annual job openings of about 30 positions.
Take a look at the highest level of employment metro areas in the country according to the BLS. As you can see, Ohio does not rank in the top 10 for employment.
National employment numbers by metro area
Factors affecting marriage and family therapist salaries
Several factors unique to Ohio influence the salary of MFTs, some of which set it apart from other states:
- Cost of living:
- Ohio has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other states, especially compared to states where MFT salaries tend to be higher, such as California or New York. This can lead to lower salary expectations, as wages often align with living expenses.
- Insurance reimbursement:
- MFTs in Ohio may face difficulties in getting insurance reimbursements compared to other licensed mental health providers, which can impact salary potential, especially in private practice.
- Geographic location:
- Ohio has a significant urban-rural divide. While cities like Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati may have more job opportunities and slightly higher salaries, rural areas often pay lower wages due to fewer available positions and lower demand for specialized MFT services.
- Demand for services:
- Ohio has been heavily affected by the opioid crisis, leading to increased demand for therapists who specialize in substance abuse and family therapy. However, many of these roles are filled by social workers and addiction counselors, sometimes limiting MFT-specific roles.
- Medicaid expansion:
- Ohio expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, increasing access to mental health services. This helps create more jobs in therapy but does not always translate to higher salaries for MFTs, as mental health funding still tends to favor other counseling licenses.
- Multi-license preference:
- Some employers prefer therapists with dual licensure to increase billing flexibility. MFTs who only hold an MFT license may face more limited options, affecting salary potential.
Education and requirements to become an MFT in Ohio
To become an MFT in Ohio, candidates must meet specific educational and experiential requirements. Ohio’s licensure requirements are generally consistent with national standards. The emphasis on COAMFTE-accredited education and specific supervised clinical hours aligns with common practices across many states. Here’s Ohio’s path to licensure:
- Education:
- Earn a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE). Graduates from COAMFTE-accredited programs are automatically approved to apply for licensure. If the degree is from a non-COAMFTE-accredited program, applicants must provide additional documentation to demonstrate that their coursework aligns with Ohio’s standards.
- Complete clinical experience:
- Complete a supervised practicum or internship as part of the degree program, including at least 500 hours of direct client contact and 100 hours of direct supervision.
- Pass the required exams:
- Successfully pass the Marriage and Family Therapist National Exam (MFT-NE), a multiple-choice test covering areas such as counseling theory, human development and assessment.
- Apply for licensing:
- Submit an application to the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, including transcripts, proof of supervised experience, and examination results.
- Consider advanced licensure:
- After obtaining initial licensure, MFTs can pursue the Independent Marriage and Family Therapist (IMFT) designation by completing additional supervised clinical experience, typically two years of post-master’s supervised practice.
Cost of living in Ohio
Ohio’s cost of living is relatively low compared to the national average, making it an affordable place to reside and work. World Population review said that Ohio has a cost of living index of 91.9, indicating that expenses are approximately 8.1% lower than the national average and The estimated annual livable wage in Ohio is $31,886 for an individual, which makes an MFTs median annual salary more than adequate.
Three higher-cost metropolitan areas:
Columbus: As the state capital and a growing metropolitan area, Columbus has a higher cost of living, particularly in housing. However, there are large healthcare systems, universities and mental health clinics which may offer strong job prospects.
Cincinnati: With a strong economy and increasing demand for healthcare professionals, Cincinnati has a moderate to high cost of living.
Cleveland: While Cleveland’s housing remains affordable compared to national averages, some areas, particularly in the suburbs, have a higher cost of living.
Three more affordable areas for MFTs:
Toledo: One of the most affordable cities in Ohio, Toledo has lower housing and overall expenses.
Dayton: Dayton offers a relatively low cost of living while still providing job opportunities in mental healthcare, hospitals and veteran services.
Youngstown: Among the lowest-cost cities in Ohio, making it an affordable place to live and work. Youngstown has community health services and addiction treatment program facilities.
Resources for Ohio MFTs
Marriage and family therapists in Ohio have access to several professional organizations and resources that support their practice and professional development:
Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (CSWMFT Board): This state regulatory body oversees the licensure and practice standards for MFTs in Ohio. The Board’s primary responsibility is to protect the citizens of Ohio through the licensure of counselors, social workers and marriage and family therapists.
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT): AAMFT is a national professional organization dedicated to the advancement of marriage and family therapy. They offer resources such as legal consultations, publications and access to a network of professionals. MFTs in Ohio can benefit from these resources and participate in state-wide initiatives.
Ohio Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (OAMFT): OAMFT is a state division of AAMFT, focusing on the unique needs of Ohio’s MFTs. They provide local networking opportunities, continuing education programs and advocacy for the profession within the state. Joining OAMFT can help MFTs stay informed about state legislative changes and professional development opportunities.
Ohio Counseling Association (OCA): While not exclusively for MFTs, the OCA represents various counseling fields in Ohio, including marriage and family therapy. They offer resources, advocacy and professional development opportunities that can be beneficial for MFTs.
Becoming an MFT in Ohio may be determined by location, specialization and career choices. While wages may not always soar as high as other states, the lower cost of living in many areas may help stretch salaries. With Ohio’s opioid crisis causing difficulties for many families and young people, the state has a need for MFT skills. Use this salary guide to help make an informed decision about becoming an MFT in the state.