Average Marriage and Family Therapists Salary in Tennessee
Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $46,510. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $71,600, reflecting regional economic factors and demand specific to the state. The unique economic landscape and healthcare needs within Tennessee directly influence compensation for these vital mental health professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $60,820.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,590 professionals, the market for Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee demonstrates a significant presence. The Location Quotient of 1.85 indicates a concentration of these roles nearly double the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a specialized job market within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee earns-35.0%below the national average.
$22.4
$894
$3,876
Marriage and Family Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in the healthcare sector. This growth is likely driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs and evolving therapeutic practices.
Marriage and Family Therapists Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Career progression for Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior therapists with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the value of their expertise and proven track record.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $31,000 | $14.9 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $34,883 | $16.8 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $45,660 | $22 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $58,138 | $28 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $60,820 | $29.2 |
Detailed Marriage and Family Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,449
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average annual salary of $46,510 in Tennessee is complemented by a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, which is below the national average of 100. This suggests that the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power within the state, making it potentially more affordable to live and work as a Marriage and Family Therapist compared to higher-cost regions.
Job Market Context
2,590
Total Jobs
0.79
Per 1K Jobs
1.85
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 1.9x the national concentration of Marriage and Family Therapists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.85 for Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee signifies a substantial concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive job market where demand may outpace supply in certain areas, offering opportunities for skilled therapists.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Marriage and Family Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN Marriage and Family Therapists Salary | $47,570↑ 2% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Marriage and Family Therapists Salary | $41,150↓ 12% | 67 mi |
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
Hiring Marriage and Family Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Marriage and Family Therapists make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee is $46,510. This typically ranges from $31,000 for entry-level positions to $60,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 35.0% lower than the national median of $71,600.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Marriage and Family Therapists?
No, but cost-effective.While the average salary of $46,510 is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living (90.4) can make the compensation more viable for residents.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Marriage and Family Therapists?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($47,570) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does Tennessee's job market compare to the national average for this role?
Tennessee has a higher concentration of Marriage and Family Therapists, with a Location Quotient of 1.85, indicating nearly double the national average presence in the workforce.
What is the total number of Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee?
There are approximately 2,590 Marriage and Family Therapists employed within the state of Tennessee.
How does the cost of living in Tennessee affect a therapist's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $46,510 salary can provide a better standard of living than it might in a higher-cost state.
Are there many job openings for Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee?
The Location Quotient of 1.85 suggests a strong concentration of these roles, implying a potentially active job market with consistent demand for qualified professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,590 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.79 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Marriage and Family Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Tennessee