How much does a Music Therapist make?
A music therapist uses music to help people feel better. This can include playing music, singing, or creating music. The average yearly salary for a music therapist is around $71,325. This can vary based on experience and location. Some earn less than this, while others earn more.
The salaries for music therapists range widely. Some start around $36,253 per year. Others can earn up to $138,000. Most music therapists earn between $54,752 and $110,251 each year. These numbers show there are good opportunities for growth and earning more as one gains experience.
What are the highest paying cities for a Music Therapist?

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San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $103,091
In San Antonio, one can find rewarding opportunities in various healthcare facilities. With institutions like University Hospital, professionals can make a meaningful impact. The warm climate and diverse community offer a vibrant environment.
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Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $94,269
Syracuse provides a nurturing setting for those in this field. Local organizations like Crouse Hospital offer chances to enhance lives. The city’s strong academic presence adds to a supportive professional environment.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $93,727
Denver is a thriving hub for healthcare and wellness. Employers such as Children's Hospital Colorado seek dedicated professionals. The city’s outdoor culture supports a healthy work-life balance.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $92,237
Sacramento offers numerous opportunities to help others through music. Places like Kaiser Permanente provide excellent platforms for growth. The capital city’s vibrant arts scene enriches the work experience.
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Austin, TX
Average Salary: $90,214
Austin boasts a lively atmosphere ideal for creative professionals. Companies like St. David’s HealthCare offer dynamic roles. The city’s eclectic music scene provides inspiration and networking opportunities.
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Miami, FL
Average Salary: $86,848
Miami’s diverse population creates rich, varied experiences for professionals. Institutions such as Jackson Health System provide valuable platforms. The city’s energetic vibe fosters a stimulating work environment.
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Houston, TX
Average Salary: $86,514
Houston’s healthcare sector is robust, with many opportunities available. Companies like Memorial Hermann Health System look for passionate candidates. The city’s multicultural nature enhances the professional experience.
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Tampa, FL
Average Salary: $81,058
Tampa offers a welcoming environment for those in this field. Organizations such as Tampa General Hospital provide meaningful work. The city’s warm weather and coastal location add to a pleasant lifestyle.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $77,108
San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches and quality of life. Employers like Rady Children's Hospital seek caring professionals. The city’s focus on wellness aligns well with this career path.
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Fort Wayne, IN
Average Salary: $73,608
Fort Wayne provides a supportive community for healthcare workers. Companies like Lutheran Hospital offer rewarding positions. The city’s smaller size creates a tight-knit professional network.
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What are the best companies a Music Therapist can work for?

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Liberty Resources, Inc.
Average Salary: $97,765
Liberty Resources, Inc. offers rewarding Music Therapist jobs with a focus on community health. They have locations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, providing opportunities to impact diverse populations.
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Complete Therapies, L.L.C.
Average Salary: $91,190
Complete Therapies, L.L.C. provides a supportive environment for Music Therapists in New York. They emphasize patient-centered care and have various locations throughout the state.
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The Stepping Stones Group
Average Salary: $75,313
The Stepping Stones Group offers Music Therapist positions in California, with a commitment to individualized care. Their centers focus on mental health and wellness, providing a positive workplace.
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ETTIE LEE YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
Average Salary: $68,640
ETTIE LEE YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES employs Music Therapists in Pennsylvania, dedicated to helping youth and families. Their programs are community-focused, offering a meaningful work environment.
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Cortica
Average Salary: $68,324
Cortica hires Music Therapists in Illinois, focusing on developmental care for children. With locations in Chicago and the suburbs, Cortica provides opportunities to make a real difference.
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AccentCare
Average Salary: $62,313
AccentCare employs Music Therapists in Texas, emphasizing care for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. They offer positions across multiple cities in the state.
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Carolina Outreach
Average Salary: $59,260
Carolina Outreach offers Music Therapist jobs in North Carolina, focusing on mental health. Their services span multiple locations in the state, providing a broad impact.
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Thom Child & Family Services
Average Salary: $56,063
Thom Child & Family Services hires Music Therapists in New York, providing support for children and families. Their programs aim to foster growth and healing in a caring environment.
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Georgetown Hill Early School
Average Salary: $55,000
Georgetown Hill Early School offers Music Therapist positions in Maryland, focusing on early childhood education. Their programs are designed to enhance learning through music.
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Meaningful Day Services
Average Salary: $54,526
Meaningful Day Services employs Music Therapists in California, specializing in services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their locations across the state offer diverse opportunities.
How to earn more as a Music Therapist?
Aspiring music therapists often seek ways to increase their earnings. Experience and education play key roles. One strategy involves gaining more experience in various settings such as hospitals, schools, or private practices. Each setting offers unique opportunities and may command different rates. Another way involves advancing one's education. Obtaining a master’s degree can open doors to higher-paying positions.
Certifications and specializations add value to a music therapist's profile. For example, becoming board-certified can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay. Therapists can specialize in areas like geriatric care, pediatric therapy, or trauma recovery. Specializations can make a therapist more attractive to potential employers. Another factor involves expanding one's skillset. Learning additional instruments or therapeutic techniques can make a therapist more versatile and in demand.
Networking and professional development also play important roles. Attending workshops, conferences, and joining professional organizations can lead to new job opportunities and higher salaries. Building a strong reputation in the field can open doors to freelance or consulting positions that offer higher pay. Therapists can also explore opportunities in research and teaching, which often come with higher compensation.
Here are five factors that can help a music therapist earn more:
- Experience: Working in various settings
- Education: Obtaining a master’s degree
- Certifications: Becoming board-certified
- Specializations: Focusing on specific areas of care
- Skillset: Learning additional instruments and techniques



