As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Licensed Clinical Therapist in the United States is $288,261 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $139.
However, a Licensed Clinical Therapist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Licensed Clinical Therapist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Licensed Clinical Therapist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Licensed Clinical Therapist | $285,189 |
| Intermediate Level Licensed Clinical Therapist | $286,469 |
| Senior Level Licensed Clinical Therapist | $287,749 |
| Specialist Level Licensed Clinical Therapist | $289,541 |
| Expert Level Licensed Clinical Therapist | $294,357 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Licensed Clinical Therapists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 5.26% |
| Case Management | 3.48% |
| CPR | 2.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Healthcare Services
|
$311,322 |
8%
|
|
Medication Management
|
$308,439 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$302,674 |
5%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$299,791 |
4%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$294,026 |
2%
|
|
Clinical Services
|
$294,026 |
2%
|
For Licensed Clinical Therapist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Licensed Clinical Therapist positions in Biotechnology or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Licensed Clinical Therapist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $317,087 | $152.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $317,087 | $152.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Licensed Clinical Therapists enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Licensed Clinical Therapist with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $250,405 and $266,352).
Licensed Clinical Therapist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 1.6% |
| Bachelors | 4.2% |
| Masters | 5.7% |
| Doctorate | 85.6% |
Understanding how a Licensed Clinical Therapist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Licensed Clinical Therapist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $229,511 in 2023 to around $224,362 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Licensed Clinical Therapist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $229,511 |
| 2024 | $234,962 |
| 2025 | $224,362 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Licensed Clinical Therapist roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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