How much does a Music Therapist make?
Music therapists use music to help people improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This rewarding career offers a chance to make a real difference in people's lives. The average yearly salary for a music therapist is around $70,279. This means that most music therapists earn somewhere in this range each year.
The salary for music therapists can vary based on experience, location, and the type of employer. For example, those with more experience or working in larger cities may earn more. Here are some average salaries at different points in a music therapist's career:
- Entry-level: $37,300
- Early career: $44,818
- Mid-career: $52,336
- Experienced: $59,855
- Late career: $67,373
- Early post-career: $74,891
- Mid post-career: $82,409
- Late post-career: $89,927
- Peak career: $97,445
- Experienced peak career: $104,964
- Master career: $112,482
- Top earners: $120,000
What are the highest paying cities for a Music Therapist?

-
San Antonio, TX
Average Salary: $98,320
San Antonio offers a vibrant community for those in the music therapy field. With institutions like the University of the Incarnate Word, professionals find ample opportunities to collaborate and innovate. The city's rich cultural scene provides diverse settings for therapeutic work.
Find Music Therapist jobs in San Antonio, TX
-
Houston, TX
Average Salary: $97,359
Houston is a bustling hub for music therapy. The city's large population and numerous healthcare facilities create a high demand for skilled therapists. Companies like Baylor College of Medicine offer excellent career growth and networking opportunities.
Find Music Therapist jobs in Houston, TX
-
Austin, TX
Average Salary: $92,770
Austin's creative atmosphere makes it an ideal place for music therapists. The city's strong emphasis on wellness and mental health supports a thriving demand for therapeutic services. Local organizations often partner with therapists for community outreach.
Find Music Therapist jobs in Austin, TX
-
El Paso, TX
Average Salary: $92,083
El Paso provides a unique setting for music therapists to make a difference. The city's diverse population allows for varied therapeutic approaches. Local clinics and schools offer many opportunities for professionals to engage with different communities.
Find Music Therapist jobs in El Paso, TX
-
Syracuse, NY
Average Salary: $91,895
Syracuse offers a supportive environment for music therapists. The city's academic institutions, such as Syracuse University, provide excellent resources and collaboration opportunities. Local healthcare facilities value the role of music therapy in patient care.
Find Music Therapist jobs in Syracuse, NY
-
Miami, FL
Average Salary: $90,000
Miami's vibrant culture makes it a dynamic place for music therapists. The city's diverse population and numerous cultural events create rich opportunities for therapeutic work. Local hospitals and rehabilitation centers often seek skilled therapists to enhance patient care.
Find Music Therapist jobs in Miami, FL
-
Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $85,500
Dallas is a thriving market for music therapists. The city's large population and diverse healthcare facilities offer many opportunities. Companies like UT Southwestern provide excellent career advancement and professional development.
Find Music Therapist jobs in Dallas, TX
-
Colorado Springs, CO
Average Salary: $83,744
Colorado Springs offers a serene yet dynamic environment for music therapists. The city's focus on wellness and outdoor activities creates a unique setting for therapeutic work. Local schools and clinics often seek professionals to support student and patient well-being.
Find Music Therapist jobs in Colorado Springs, CO
-
Denver, CO
Average Salary: $82,977
Denver provides a vibrant and supportive community for music therapists. The city's strong emphasis on mental health and wellness creates a high demand for therapeutic services. Local organizations and healthcare facilities offer many opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Find Music Therapist jobs in Denver, CO
-
Orlando, FL
Average Salary: $74,764
Orlando's family-friendly atmosphere makes it an excellent place for music therapists. The city's numerous theme parks and attractions offer unique opportunities for therapeutic work. Local hospitals and rehabilitation centers often seek skilled therapists to enhance patient care.
Find Music Therapist jobs in Orlando, FL
What are the best companies a Music Therapist can work for?

-
Dixie Iron Works, Ltd./MSI
Average Salary: $108,182
Dixie Iron Works, Ltd./MSI offers rewarding Music Therapist jobs. They operate in Mississippi and provide a supportive environment. Their programs focus on patient care and well-being.
-
Liberty Resources, Inc.
Average Salary: $101,357
Liberty Resources, Inc. provides excellent opportunities for Music Therapists. They work in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Their focus is on community health and patient care.
-
Jemcare
Average Salary: $100,000
Jemcare offers competitive salaries for Music Therapists. They operate in New York. Their programs emphasize patient support and recovery.
-
Southwestern Music Therapy
Average Salary: $94,839
Southwestern Music Therapy provides rewarding job opportunities. They work in Arizona and New Mexico. Their focus is on personalized patient care and therapy.
-
Complete Therapies, L.L.C.
Average Salary: $92,292
Complete Therapies, L.L.C. offers good salaries for Music Therapists. They operate in Florida. Their programs focus on patient well-being and recovery.
-
Benchmark Human Services
Average Salary: $79,136
Benchmark Human Services provides opportunities for Music Therapists. They work in Washington. Their focus is on community health and patient care.
-
Cortica
Average Salary: $67,803
Cortica offers Music Therapist jobs with a supportive environment. They operate in California. Their focus is on patient care and development.
-
ETTIE LEE YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
Average Salary: $67,769
ETTIE LEE YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES provides opportunities for Music Therapists. They work in California. Their focus is on family and youth support.
-
AccentCare
Average Salary: $62,262
AccentCare offers Music Therapist jobs with a focus on patient care. They operate in multiple states. Their programs focus on providing quality care.
-
HealthONE
Average Salary: $57,236
HealthONE offers Music Therapist jobs with a supportive environment. They operate in Colorado. Their focus is on patient care and well-being.
How to earn more as a Music Therapist?
Music therapists can find various ways to increase their earnings. They can enhance their skills and knowledge to offer better services. This can lead to higher pay and more job opportunities. Another way is to work in areas with higher demand for music therapy. These areas often offer better salaries. Music therapists can also increase their income by taking on more responsibilities. This might include leading workshops or training other therapists. Some choose to specialize in a niche area of music therapy. Specialization can make them more valuable to employers. Finally, gaining certifications and advanced degrees can lead to higher-paying positions.
Here are some key factors to consider for earning more as a music therapist:
- Advanced Education: Earning a master’s degree or higher can open doors to higher-paying jobs.
- Certifications: Obtaining certifications in specialized areas can make a therapist more attractive to employers.
- Experience: Gaining more experience can lead to promotions and higher pay.
- Specialization: Focusing on a niche area can set a therapist apart and command higher fees.
- Location: Working in areas with a high demand for music therapy can lead to better salaries.