How long does it take to become a therapist?
Therapists earn a median of about $59,000 a year (about $28/hour) in the US — from around $40,000 entering the field to $98,000+ at the top. Becoming one usually takes about 6–7 years: Master's degree + supervised hours. A master's plus supervised hours — usually about six years total.
Therapist salary
| Entry level (10th percentile) | $40,000 |
| Median (typical) | $59,000 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $98,000+ |
| Median hourly | $28/hr |
Approximate US figures based on public wage data (BLS OEWS). Actual pay varies by employer, experience and location.
The path to becoming a therapist
- 1Earn a bachelor's degree
- 2Complete a counseling/therapy master's
- 3Log supervised clinical hours
- 4Pass the exam and get licensed (LPC/LMFT/LCSW)
What you need
- Master's in counseling/social work/MFT
- Supervised hours + state license
Demand for mental-health counselors is growing quickly across the country.
Therapist salary by state
Local pay varies with cost of living. See an estimate for your state:
Therapist — frequently asked questions
How long does it take to become a therapist?
It usually takes about 6–7 years. The typical path: Earn a bachelor's degree; Complete a counseling/therapy master's; Log supervised clinical hours; Pass the exam and get licensed (LPC/LMFT/LCSW).
How much do therapists make?
The median pay is about $59,000 a year ($28/hour). Most earn between roughly $40,000 and $98,000, depending on experience, employer and location. See the state pages for local estimates.
Do you need a degree to become a therapist?
Entry requires: Master's in counseling/social work/MFT; Supervised hours + state license. Demand for mental-health counselors is growing quickly across the country.
Related careers
General information to help you plan a career — not career, legal or financial advice. Salary figures are estimates and training times are typical routes; both vary by state, program and individual. Check official sources and accredited programs before making decisions.