Position
Salary

How much does a Music Therapist make?

The average salary for a Music Therapist is $71,665 per year in the US.

Music therapists have a rewarding career. They use music to help people improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The average yearly salary for a music therapist stands at around $71,665. This salary can change based on different factors like location, experience, and the type of work setting.


Music therapists may earn more in certain places. They might also make more with more years of experience. Therapists who work in hospitals or private practices often have higher salaries. Music therapists can also choose to specialize, which may lead to even better pay. Overall, music therapy is a growing field with good earning potential.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Music Therapist?

Job seekers looking for top-paying music therapy positions will find great opportunities in various cities. San Antonio, TX, and Austin, TX, offer the highest salaries for music therapists. Other cities like Syracuse, NY, and Sacramento, CA, also provide competitive wages, making them attractive options for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Music Therapist jobs, highlighting San Antonio, TX with the highest at $103,952 and Washington, DC with the lowest at $77,469.
  1. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $103,952
    In San Antonio, you can find fulfilling work with organizations like Baptist Health System. This city values mental health and wellness, making it a great place for your skills. San Antonio offers a variety of settings from hospitals to schools.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in San Antonio, TX


  2. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $96,458
    Austin has a growing demand for mental health services. Working in this vibrant city, you will find opportunities with places like St. David's HealthCare. Austin's unique culture and community support enhance your work environment.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Austin, TX


  3. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $94,679
    Syracuse offers a stable job market with companies like St. Joseph's Health. In this city, you will have access to a variety of settings, including hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The community’s focus on health creates a supportive atmosphere.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Syracuse, NY


  4. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $92,446
    Sacramento provides diverse opportunities in healthcare settings such as Kaiser Permanente. The city’s commitment to health and wellness makes it an ideal place for your expertise. Sacramento’s vibrant culture enhances the work experience.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Sacramento, CA


  5. Denver, CO
    Average Salary: $90,917
    In Denver, you can find rewarding positions with organizations like Denver Health. This city is known for its active lifestyle and community spirit, making it a great place to work. Denver offers many settings, including hospitals and private practices.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Denver, CO


  6. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $83,271
    Miami offers a dynamic environment with opportunities at places like Jackson Health System. This city’s diverse population creates a rich setting for your work. Miami’s vibrant culture enhances your professional experience.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Miami, FL


  7. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $81,460
    Houston has a strong demand for healthcare services. Working in this city, you can find positions with organizations like Memorial Hermann Health System. Houston’s diverse community provides a unique backdrop for your career.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Houston, TX


  8. Tampa, FL
    Average Salary: $78,481
    Tampa offers a growing market for mental health professionals with companies like Tampa General Hospital. This city’s warm climate and friendly community create a pleasant work environment. Tampa provides many opportunities in various healthcare settings.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Tampa, FL


  9. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $78,420
    San Diego offers a range of opportunities with institutions like Sharp HealthCare. This city’s focus on wellness and outdoor activities makes it an ideal place to work. San Diego’s beautiful setting enhances your professional experience.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in San Diego, CA


  10. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $77,469
    In Washington, DC, you can find rewarding positions with organizations like MedStar Health. This city’s political and cultural influence creates a unique work environment. Washington, DC offers many opportunities in healthcare and educational settings.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Washington, DC

What are the best companies a Music Therapist can work for?

Liberty Resources, Inc. leads in paying music therapists an average of $94,484. Complete Therapies, L.L.C. offers a strong average salary of $90,238. These companies show a commitment to rewarding their music therapists with competitive pay.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Music Therapist jobs, highlighting Liberty Resources, Inc. with the highest at $94,484 and St. Croix Hospice with the lowest at $50,500.
  1. Liberty Resources, Inc.
    Average Salary: $94,484
    Liberty Resources, Inc. offers high-paying jobs for music therapists. This company operates in Rhode Island and New Hampshire. They focus on personalized care for individuals with disabilities.


  2. Complete Therapies, L.L.C.
    Average Salary: $90,238
    Complete Therapies, L.L.C. provides rewarding positions for music therapists. This company is located in Virginia and Texas. They offer programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities.


  3. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $73,625
    The Stepping Stones Group hires music therapists with competitive salaries. They operate in several states, including Florida and Arizona. Their mission is to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.


  4. AccentCare
    Average Salary: $62,200
    AccentCare is known for its excellent benefits and good pay for music therapists. They serve patients in over 45 locations across the U.S. Their focus is on home health, hospice, and palliative care.


  5. Carolina Outreach
    Average Salary: $60,040
    Carolina Outreach offers music therapist jobs with a focus on mental health services. They operate in Florida and North Carolina. Their goal is to provide quality care to improve the lives of those they serve.


  6. Thom Child & Family Services
    Average Salary: $56,605
    Thom Child & Family Services provides a stable environment for music therapists. They operate in Florida and have a mission to support children and families through various programs.


  7. Georgetown Hill Early School
    Average Salary: $55,000
    Georgetown Hill Early School hires music therapists for early childhood education. This school is in Washington, D.C. They aim to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children.


  8. Meaningful Day Services
    Average Salary: $54,400
    Meaningful Day Services offers opportunities for music therapists who want to make a difference. They are based in New Jersey and provide services for individuals with disabilities.


  9. Voices Together
    Average Salary: $52,167
    Voices Together hires music therapists to work with individuals with disabilities. They operate in Florida and Georgia. Their mission is to provide inclusive and quality services.


  10. St. Croix Hospice
    Average Salary: $50,500
    St. Croix Hospice offers compassionate care for end-of-life patients. They operate in Wisconsin and Minnesota. They are committed to providing peace and dignity in difficult times.

How to earn more as a Music Therapist?

Music therapists have a meaningful job where they help people through music. If you want to earn more, there are several steps you can take. Increasing your pay often involves gaining more experience and skills. Focus on these areas to boost your salary.

First, consider earning advanced degrees. Many music therapists start with a bachelor's degree. However, a master's degree can open up higher-paying positions. Schools offer specialized programs in music therapy. Completing a master's can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay. Also, getting board-certified can make you more attractive to employers. Certification shows you have the skills and knowledge needed for the job.

Second, gaining more experience helps. Start by working in different settings. This can include hospitals, schools, and private practices. Each place offers unique challenges and learning opportunities. The more places you work, the better prepared you will be for any job.

  1. Advanced Degrees: Earning a master’s degree can lead to higher-paying jobs.
  2. Certification: Being board-certified shows you have the necessary skills.
  3. Experience: Working in different settings makes you more qualified.
  4. Specialization: Focusing on a niche can make you more valuable.
  5. Networking: Connecting with other professionals can lead to job opportunities.

Currently 351 Music Therapist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Music Therapist in the US?

Learn what a Music Therapist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Music Therapist today.
Position
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Music Therapist
351 Job Openings