This career is expected to grow 14 percent—faster than average—through 2018. This is due in part to an increased recognition of the field. It is more common for people to seek help for their marital and family problems than it was in the past.

In 2008, marriage and family therapists earned an average salary of $44,590. The middle 50 percent earned $34,840 to $56,320. The highest 10 percent earned more than $70,830. Median annual earnings were $50,770 in state government, the sector employing the largest number of marriage and family therapists.

Marriage and family therapists help couples and families resolve emotional conflict. In doing so, they enhance communication and understanding among family members and help to prevent family and individual crises. Marriage and family therapists also may engage in psychotherapy of a non-medical nature and make appropriate referrals to psychiatric resources. They often perform research on family communication issues, and teach courses about human development and interpersonal relationships.

Some marriage and family therapists, especially those with doctorates in family therapy, become supervisors, teachers, researchers or advanced clinicians in the discipline.

Counselors also may become supervisors or administrators in their agencies. Some counselors move into research, consulting or college teaching or go into private or group practice. Many choose to pursue a doctoral degree (Ph.D.) to improve their chances for advancement and salary.

Check with your state’s counseling certification board to determine the education and experience required in your state to practice as a marriage and family therapist.

A master’s degree is frequently required to advertise as a counselor. A few states will accept a bachelor’s degree with appropriate counseling courses.

Licensing: Forty-nine states and the District of Columbia have some form of counselor licensure that governs the practice of counseling. Requirements typically include the completion of a master’s degree in counseling. Two years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience beyond the master’s degree level is often required.

After completing all the education and experience requirements, many states require applicants to pass a written exam and undergo a criminal background check.

Some counselors elect to be certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors, which grants a general practice credential of National Certified Counselor (NCC).

Entering the Field: Many test the waters by working as human service or social work assistants in residential care or halfway houses. Some work as case workers in probation and parole offices. Most entry-level workers hold at least an associate degree in social or human services. Bachelor's degrees in psychology or sociology also are very popular. To receive the best pay and working conditions be prepared to complete a master’s degree in counseling.

Career Changers: Because of the relatively high educational requirements of this field, career changers find themselves following more or less the same path as entry-level employees.