Marriage and Family Therapists vs. Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors: Who Earns More?
Marriage and Family Therapists out-earn Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors by $8K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Marriage and Family Therapists land at $66,940 and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors 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 Therapists is Hawaii ($141,960); for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors 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 Therapists or Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Marriage and Family Therapists earn more nationally. The median is $66,940 for Marriage and Family Therapists versus $59,350 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, 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?
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors has the better 10-year outlook at 16.8% projected growth, compared to 12.6% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
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 Therapists get paid the most?
Hawaii is the top-paying state for Marriage and Family Therapists 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 Therapists earn $92,150 vs. $62,820 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.