Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook

Career Profile:

Marriage and Family Therapists See More Careers

School counselors must be certified, and other counselors must be licensed to practice in all but two States. A masters degree generally is needed to become a licensed counselor. Job opportunities for counselors should be very good because job openings are expected to exceed the number of graduates from counseling programs. State and local governments employ about 4 in 10 counselors, and the health services industry employs most of the others.

Career Salary:

On average, Marriage and Family Therapists earn $ 43,210 per year.

10% 25% 75% 90% $ 25,280/yr $ 32,950/yr $ 54,150/yr $ 69,050/yr

Number of People in Profession:

21,330
Job Outlook:

Job Opportunities for Marriage and Family Therapists are expected to:
Increase faster than average.

Recommended Education Level:

  • Master's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Associate Degree
  • Professional Certificate

Nature of the Job

Counselors assist people with personal, family, educational, mental health, and career problems. Their duties vary greatly depending on their occupational specialty, which is determined by the setting in which they work and the population they serve.

Training

Education and training requirements for counselors are often very detailed and vary by State and specialty. Prospective counselors should check with State and local governments, employers, and national voluntary certification organizations to determine which requirements apply.

Employment Opportunities

Educational, vocational, and school counselors work primarily in elementary and secondary schools and colleges and universities. Other types of counselors work in a wide variety of public and private establishments, including healthcare facilities; job training, career development, and vocational rehabilitation centers; social agencies; correctional institutions; and residential care facilities, such as halfway houses for criminal offenders and group homes for children, the elderly, and the disabled.

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