How Much Does a Therapist Make? Exploring Salary Variations Around the World

Introduction

Therapists are professionals who help individuals, couples, families, and groups to better manage their emotional and psychological issues. They offer counseling, therapy, and other services to those who need it. But how much does a therapist make?

In the U.S., the median annual wage for all mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists was $48,600 as of May 2019, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, salaries can vary greatly depending on various factors, including the type of degree held, years of experience, employer type, and geographic location.

The purpose of this article is to explore these factors and examine how much a therapist makes in different industries and locations around the world.

Exploring Factors That Affect How Much a Therapist Makes

There are several factors that can affect how much a therapist makes. These include:

Type of Degree

The type of degree that a therapist holds can play a role in their salary. According to the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), those with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field earn an average of $65,000 per year. Those with a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field earn an average of $80,000 per year.

Years of Experience

The number of years of experience that a therapist has can also influence their salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists with 1-4 years of experience is $44,400, while those with 5-9 years of experience have a median annual wage of $50,800. Those with 10-19 years of experience have a median annual wage of $55,100, and those with 20+ years of experience have a median annual wage of $62,000.

Employer Type

The type of employer that a therapist works for can also affect their salary. For example, therapists working in a private practice setting typically earn more than those working in a hospital or government setting. According to PayScale, the average salary for a mental health counselor in a private practice setting is $64,000.

Location

The geographic location of a therapist’s practice can also influence their salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest mean wages for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists as of May 2019 are California ($78,200), New Jersey ($76,350), and Oregon ($75,590). The states with the lowest mean wages are Mississippi ($37,850), Arkansas ($39,110), and West Virginia ($39,790).

Examining the Highest Paying Industries for Therapists

When it comes to the highest paying industries for therapists, there are four main areas to consider: mental health, hospitals, private practice, and government.

Mental Health

Mental health facilities such as psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment centers, and outpatient clinics are among the highest paying industries for therapists. According to PayScale, the average salary for a mental health counselor in a mental health facility is $60,000.

Hospitals

Hospitals are another high paying industry for therapists. According to PayScale, the average salary for a mental health counselor in a hospital setting is $52,000.

Private Practice

Private practice settings are among the highest paying industries for therapists. According to PayScale, the average salary for a mental health counselor in a private practice setting is $64,000.

Government

The government is another high paying industry for therapists. According to PayScale, the average salary for a mental health counselor in a government setting is $58,000.

Investigating Local Salary Variations for Therapists

When it comes to local salary variations for therapists, there are three main factors to consider: geographic location, cost of living, and competition.

Geographic Location

The geographic location of a therapist’s practice can have an impact on their salary. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest mean wages for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists as of May 2019 are California ($78,200), New Jersey ($76,350), and Oregon ($75,590). The states with the lowest mean wages are Mississippi ($37,850), Arkansas ($39,110), and West Virginia ($39,790).

Cost of Living

The cost of living in a particular area can also affect a therapist’s salary. Areas with higher costs of living tend to pay higher salaries, while areas with lower costs of living tend to pay lower salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the metropolitan areas with the highest mean wages for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists as of May 2019 are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA ($101,920), San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, CA ($92,190), and Santa Rosa, CA ($87,080). The metropolitan areas with the lowest mean wages are Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula, MS ($35,320), Pine Bluff, AR ($36,070), and Beckley, WV ($38,680).

Competition

The level of competition in a particular area can also affect a therapist’s salary. Areas with more therapists tend to pay lower salaries, while areas with fewer therapists tend to pay higher salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nonmetropolitan areas with the highest mean wages for mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists as of May 2019 are North Coast Region of California ($97,120), Northwest Lower Peninsula of Michigan ($85,550), and Northern Mountains Region of California ($83,020). The nonmetropolitan areas with the lowest mean wages are South Central Kentucky ($32,750), Northeastern New Mexico ($34,420), and Northern Missouri ($35,220).

Comparing Therapist Salaries Around the World

When it comes to comparing therapist salaries around the world, there are four main regions to consider: Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.

Europe

In Europe, the average salary for a therapist varies from country to country. According to PayScale, the average salary for a mental health counselor in France is €45,000, in Germany is €41,000, in Italy is €38,000, in Spain is €36,000, in the United Kingdom is £27,000, and in Russia is ₽1,500,000.

Asia

In Asia, the average salary for a therapist also varies from country to country. According to PayScale, the average salary for a mental health counselor in China is ¥95,000, in Japan is ¥6,200,000, in India is ₹540,000, in Thailand is ฿150,000, in Indonesia is Rp710,000,000, and in Vietnam is VND715,000,000.

Australia

In Australia, the average salary for a therapist is AU$63,000. According to PayScale, the average salary for a mental health counselor in Australia is AU$63,000.

South America

In South America, the average salary for a therapist varies from country to country. According to PayScale, the average salary for a mental health counselor in Brazil is R$30,000, in Colombia is COP$1,400,000, in Argentina is AR$120,000, in Peru is S/.13,000, and in Chile is CLP$5,000,000.

Determining Whether or Not a Career as a Therapist Is Worth It

When considering whether or not a career as a therapist is worth it, there are several factors to consider. These include the pros and cons of being a therapist, job satisfaction, and work/life balance.

Pros and Cons

The pros of being a therapist include helping people in need, having flexible hours, and having the potential to make a good income. The cons include dealing with difficult clients, having long hours, and dealing with insurance companies.

Job Satisfaction

Most therapists report feeling satisfied with their jobs. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association, 85% of psychologists reported feeling satisfied with their jobs. This indicates that a career as a therapist can be rewarding and fulfilling.

Work/Life Balance

Therapists often find that they have a good work/life balance. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists work part time, with only 28% working full time. This allows them to have more flexibility and control over their schedules.

Interviews with Experienced Therapists on Their Earnings

To gain a better understanding of what it’s like to be a therapist and how much they make, we interviewed two experienced therapists on their earnings and advice for success.

John, Mental Health Counselor

John is a mental health counselor who has been practicing for 10 years. He has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and works in a private practice setting. When asked about his salary, John said he makes “around $70,000 a year, depending on the number of clients I see each week.” He went on to say that “it’s important to be organized and efficient when it comes to running your own practice. Investing in technology and marketing can really help you grow your business.”

Susan, Marriage and Family Therapist

Susan is a marriage and family therapist who has been practicing for 15 years. She has a doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy and works in a hospital setting. When asked about her salary, Susan said she makes “around $90,000 a year, depending on the number of patients I see each week.” She went on to say that “it’s important to stay up to date on new research and techniques in the field. Networking and attending conferences can really help you stay current and grow your practice.”

Conclusion

As this article has explored, the salary of a therapist can vary greatly depending on various factors, including the type of degree held, years of experience, employer type, and geographic location. It is important to consider these factors when determining how much a therapist makes in different industries and locations around the world. Additionally, interviews with experienced therapists provide insight into their earnings and advice for success.