By: All Psychology Schools Staff
Updated: January 15, 2026
Marriage & Family Therapist Degree and Career Guide
Marriage & Family Therapist State Salary Guides
What do marriage and family therapist salaries look like in Texas?
Texas has historically had a shortage of mental health professionals, which may provide opportunity for MFTs—and their salaries.
While Texas has a strong sense of community and support networks, it also faces mental health challenges, especially in rural areas where access to therapy is limited. This may provide opportunity for MFTs interested in working in Texas, as the state has historically had a shortage of mental health professionals, and many residents still struggle to access services.
Quick view of MFTs in Texas
For a place as large as Texas, it’s somewhat surprising that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) only reported 650 people employed as marriage and family therapists in the entire state. The median wage per hour is $22 and the national forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 12.6%.
Why are there so few MFTs in Texas?
There are a few reasons why MFTs may not be as common in Texas compared to other states:
- Texas favors LPCs & LCSWs: The state has a stronger emphasis on Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs), which are more versatile licenses that allow therapists to work with a wider variety of clients, not just families or couples.
- Higher supervision requirements: Texas requires 3,000 hours of supervised experience for MFTs, which is more than some other states, making it a longer and sometimes costlier process.
- Limited graduate programs: Texas does not have as many MFT graduate programs as states like California, which has a much higher number of MFTs.
- Cultural factors: Texas has a mix of urban and rural areas, and in some parts, mental health services—especially family therapy—may still carry stigma. Many people may prefer religious counseling or informal support systems over therapy.
- Insurance and reimbursement: Some insurance companies may be more likely to reimburse LPCs or psychologists than MFTs, making it harder for MFTs to build sustainable private practices.
Despite these sorts of potential obstacles, there are still agencies and institutions that hire marriage and family therapists in Texas. These organizations represent a mix of private practices, educational institutions and specialized therapy centers, reflecting the wide open employment landscape for MFTs.
- Texas A&M University, San Antonio:
- The university’s Student Counseling Center hires professional counselors, including MFTs, to support student mental health and well-being.
- Headway, Statewide locations:
- A mental health company offering remote therapy services, Headway connects therapists with clients across Texas, providing flexible work arrangements.
- Connections Child and Family Center, Spring:
- Located in Spring, Texas, this center specializes in child and family therapy, employing MFTs trained in various therapeutic modalities.
- Deep Eddy Psychotherapy, Austin:
- Based in Austin, Deep Eddy Psychotherapy offers telehealth services throughout Texas, providing opportunities for MFTs to work remotely with a diverse client base.
- Thriveworks, Kingwood and other locations:
- With locations in Kingwood and other parts of Texas, Thriveworks offers counseling services and employs licensed MFTs to provide individual, couple, and family therapy.
Salary stats for Texas 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. However the BLS does not report any Texas metro areas for either highest employment of MFTs, or for pay, in the U.S.
What are salaries like in Texas for marriage and family therapists?
Certain cities in Texas offer higher than average salaries for MFTs. For instance, Dallas and Austin both offer median annual salaries that are higher than the national median, though Houston’s median pay for MFTs is lower than the national median. Here’s what the BLS said Texas and its top metro areas paid MFTs:
Marriage and Family Therapists
10%$36,830
25%$37,940
50%$45,690Median
75%$64,290
90%$79,220
Median Hourly Wage$22
Job growth12.6%
Total Employment1,160
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $47,060 | $37,940 | $89,920 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | $44,690 | $38,340 | $76,050 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $42,940 | $36,830 | $75,380 |
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 Texas, marriage and family therapists (MFTs) earn an average salary of around $50,000–$65,000 per year said the BLS, depending on experience and location. This is generally comparable to licensed professional counselors (LPCs), who earn in a similar range. However, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) often earn slightly more, especially in medical or government settings. Psychologists and psychiatrists tend to earn significantly higher salaries. MFT salaries in Texas are lower than in states like California, where demand for the profession is higher. Overall, while MFTs earn a decent wage, many in the field supplement income through private practice or additional credentials.
Here’s how the BLS compared national median pay rates among different types of psychology professionals:
Salary range for MFTs in Texas
The salary range for MFTs in Texas typically spans from $36,830 for the lowest 10% to well over $79,220 for the upper 10% of professionals in the field per year.
MFT salaries in Texas vary based on location, employer type and experience level. Urban areas like Austin and Dallas tend to offer higher salaries, while rural areas generally pay less due to lower demand and fewer mental health resources. MFTs employed in hospital settings, government agencies or large healthcare organizations typically earn more than those in private practice or nonprofit organizations.
Specialized roles, such as working in integrated behavioral health within medical settings or providing therapy for higher-risk populations such as veterans or substance abusers, may also yield higher salaries. Additionally, MFTs with supervisory roles, additional certifications or private practices may have greater 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, Texas does not rank for employment.
National employment numbers by metro area
Factors affecting MFT salaries in Texas
Several factors may affect pay levels for marriage and family therapists in Texas. These may include:
- Location:
- Major cities like Dallas, Houston and Austin tend to offer higher salaries due to a larger client base and greater demand for mental health services, while rural areas typically pay less.
- Type of employer:
- Working for hospitals, government agencies or large healthcare organizations usually provides higher salaries and benefits compared to nonprofit organizations or small private practices.
- Experience and licensure level:
- Fully licensed LMFTs may earn more than Associate LMFTs. Years of experience may also play a role, with seasoned therapists commanding higher salaries.
- Specializing:
- Therapists specializing in high-demand areas such as trauma and addiction, or working with higher-risk populations may earn more.
- Private practice:
- MFTs in private practice have unlimited income potential but must build their client base and handle business expenses. Employed MFTs receive a steady salary but may have income caps.
- Insurance:
- MFTs who accept insurance may have lower per-session rates than those who charge private pay, affecting overall earnings.
- Other certification or taking on supervisory roles:
- Holding certifications in specialized therapies such as EMDR or the Gottman Method—or becoming an LMFT supervisor—may increase earning potential.
Requirements to become an MFT in Texas
Becoming a marriage and family therapist (MFT) in Texas involves several steps and takes a considerable amount of time, as the state has specific requirements for licensure.
- Education:
- You need a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited program.
- Supervised experience:
- After your degree, you must complete 3,000 hours of supervised clinical work, with at least 1,500 of the hours being direct client contact. Another 750 of the hours must be couple or family therapy-based.
- Pass the required exams:
- You must pass the National MFT Exam and the Texas Jurisprudence Exam. The Texas Jurisprudence Exam for marriage and family therapists (MFTs) is an online, open-book test that assesses knowledge of state laws, ethical standards and professional regulations related to MFT practice in Texas. Administered by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), it covers topics such as licensing rules, scope of practice, confidentiality and professional conduct. Applicants must pass this exam before obtaining their license.
- Apply for licensing:
- After completing supervised hours, you can apply for licensure through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC). This includes paying fees, passing a background check and supplying education transcripts.
Texas’ cost of living
Texas generally has a lower cost of living than many other states, meaning an MFT’s salary can stretch further, especially in smaller cities and rural areas. However, in high-cost areas, salaries may not always keep pace with expenses, making budgeting important.
Three high-cost metropolitan areas:
Austin: High housing costs due to rapid population growth.
Dallas: Rising rents and home prices in popular neighborhoods.
Houston: Higher costs in central areas but more affordable suburbs.
Three more affordable areas for MFTs:
Lubbock: Affordable housing and lower general expenses.
San Angelo: Lower rent and cost of daily necessities.
Brownsville: Among the cheapest places to live in Texas, though with fewer high-paying MFT jobs.
Resources for Texas MFTs
Here are three key professional associations for marriage and family therapists in Texas. These groups can help with advocacy, networking, continuing education and licensing.
Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy: The state chapter of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), TAMFT provides advocacy, professional development, networking and continuing education opportunities for MFTs across Texas.
Texas Counseling Association (TCA): While primarily focused on professional counselors, TCA includes MFTs in its advocacy efforts. It provides resources, continuing education and networking for mental health professionals, especially those working in educational or clinical settings.
Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC): This is the licensing and regulatory body overseeing MFTs in Texas. While not an association, it is crucial for MFTs as it establishes licensure requirements, enforces ethical standards and provides information on legal regulations affecting practice.
Becoming an MFT in Texas can be shaped 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. From Austin’s buzzing mental health hub to the quieter rural communities in West Texas, MFTs play a crucial role in healing relationships and strengthening families. Use this salary guide to help make an informed decision about becoming an MFT in the state.