As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lmft in the United States is $45,480 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.
However, a Lmft's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lmft'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 Lmft'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 Lmft | $46,095 |
| Intermediate Level Lmft | $46,553 |
| Senior Level Lmft | $47,679 |
| Specialist Level Lmft | $47,904 |
| Expert Level Lmft | $48,054 |
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 Lmfts. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 6.22% |
| Child Development | 2.43% |
| Psychiatric | 2.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Group Therapy
|
$51,392 |
13%
|
|
Treatment Planning
|
$50,028 |
10%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$49,118 |
8%
|
|
Group Counseling
|
$48,664 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$48,664 |
7%
|
|
Accountability
|
$48,209 |
6%
|
For Lmft roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Lmft positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Lmft as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $50,028 | $24.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lmfts enter the field with a Master's Degree or MBA 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 Lmft with a Master's Degree or MBA is between $43,270 and $46,583).
Lmft Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.1% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 0.8% |
| Bachelors | 5.4% |
| Masters | 87.3% |
| Doctorate | 5.4% |
Understanding how a Lmft'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 Lmft can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $44,263 in 2023 to around $43,765 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lmft salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $44,263 |
| 2024 | $44,175 |
| 2025 | $43,765 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Lmft and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Lmft 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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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