📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Marriage and Family Therapist Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$83,326
per year
Median
$77,802
per year
Hourly
$40.06
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$54,023
25th Percentile — Junior$71,142
50th Percentile — Median$77,802
75th Percentile — Senior$109,661
90th Percentile — Top Earners$124,513
💡 Top-earning Marriage and Family Therapists in California make up to $124,513 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$63.8k
2021
$67.3k
2022
$71.0k
2023
$74.9k
2024
$79.0k
2025
$83.3k
2026
📈 Marriage and Family Therapist salaries in California have followed the national trend with 5.5% annual growth. The strong demand in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Marriage and Family Therapist Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $129,155 +55.0% Very High
San Diego $123,322 +48.0% Very High
San Jose $143,321 +72.0% Very High
San Francisco $154,153 +85.0% Very High
Fresno $89,992 +8.0% Very High
Sacramento $101,658 +22.0% Very High
Long Beach $120,823 +45.0% Very High
Bakersfield $89,992 +8.0% Very High
Anaheim $118,323 +42.0% Very High
Santa Ana $116,656 +40.0% Very High
Riverside $106,657 +28.0% Very High
Stockton $98,325 +18.0% Very High
Irvine $129,155 +55.0% Very High
San Bernardino $98,325 +18.0% Very High
Modesto $93,325 +12.0% Very High
Fontana $101,658 +22.0% Very High
Moreno Valley $95,825 +15.0% Very High
Glendale $123,322 +48.0% Very High
Fremont $133,322 +60.0% Very High
🔍
Marriage and Family Therapist Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Marriage and Family Therapists. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $83,326 per year, California's Marriage and Family Therapist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $54,023–$71,142, while experienced Marriage and Family Therapists can command $109,661–$124,513.

Looking ahead, the Marriage and Family Therapist profession in California is projected to grow at 5.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Marriage and Family Therapist salary in California is $83,326 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $58,680.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Marriage and Family Therapists the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Marriage and Family Therapist employment.
  • At $83,326/year, California Marriage and Family Therapist salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $58,680/year.