Therapists' salaries vary widely depending on factors such as education, experience, specialization, geographic location, and work setting.
- General Salary Range: Therapists in the U.S. typically earn between $30,000 and $100,000 annually. Entry-level or community rehabilitation center therapists may earn around $30,000, while experienced therapists or those in government roles can earn upwards of $70,000 or more
- Average Salaries: The average salary for therapists is about $62,000 to $86,000 per year, with some data showing an average around $86,451 annually in the U.S.
- Experience Impact: Salaries increase with experience. For example, therapists with 0-1 years of experience average about $58,500, while those with 7-9 years can earn around $71,870 annually
- Work Setting: Therapists working in hospitals, government, or schools tend to earn more than those in community centers or nonprofits. For instance, mental health counselors in hospitals average about $47,000, family therapists in government roles about $72,580, and psychologists in government positions around $94,910
- Private Practice: Therapists in private practice may charge $90-$150 per session, with self-pay rates around $150/hour. Income depends on the number of sessions and commission rates, often around 65% of fees for 25+ sessions per week
- Geographic Variation: Salaries vary by state and city. For example, starting salaries in Alaska can be around $90,000, while in Washington state, they range from about $70,000 to $83,000 depending on the city. High cost-of-living areas like California tend to offer higher salaries ($63,000 to $76,000+)
- Higher-Paid Mental Health Professionals: Psychologists average around $77,000 annually, and psychiatrists earn the highest salaries, often over $200,000 per year due to their medical qualifications
In summary, therapist salaries in the U.S. typically range from $30,000 to over $100,000 annually, with averages around $60,000 to $86,000, influenced strongly by experience, location, and work setting. Psychiatrists and psychologists generally earn more than therapists