Marriage and Family Therapists vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Marriage and Family Therapistss out-earn Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss by $8K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Marriage and Family Therapistss land at $66,940 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss at $59,350. The education gap is real: marriage and family therapist programs typically require master's degree, while substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselor programs require master's degree. Top-paying state for Marriage and Family Therapistss is Hawaii ($141,960); for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss it's Alaska ($80,770).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Marriage and Family Therapists median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Marriage and Family Therapistss or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Marriage and Family Therapistss earn more nationally. The median is $66,940 for Marriage and Family Therapistss versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss, a difference of $8K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Marriage and Family Therapists or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.
Which requires more education, Marriage and Family Therapists or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Marriage and Family Therapists typically requires master's degree. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors requires master's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Marriage and Family Therapistss get paid the most?
Hawaii is the top-paying state for Marriage and Family Therapistss at $141,960/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Marriage and Family Therapists vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New Jersey, Marriage and Family Therapistss earn $92,150 vs. $62,820 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.