* Location: Therapists in high-cost-of-living areas like major cities on either coast will generally earn more than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
* Specialization: Therapists specializing in areas with high demand (e.g., trauma, addiction) may command higher salaries.
* Experience: Entry-level therapists will earn less than those with many years of experience.
* Employer: Salaries can differ greatly depending on whether the therapist works in private practice, a hospital, a community mental health center, a school, or for a non-profit organization. Private practice often allows for higher earning potential but requires significant self-management and business skills.
* Type of license: Different licenses (e.g., Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)) may have slightly different salary ranges.
Given these variables, providing a single definitive number is impossible. However, according to sources like Salary.com and Glassdoor, the average salary for a therapist with a master's degree in the United States can range from $45,000 to $80,000 per year. Some therapists, especially those in high-demand specialties with many years of experience and a successful private practice, can earn significantly more. On the other hand, entry-level therapists or those working in lower-paying settings might earn closer to the lower end of this range.