Position
Salary

How much does a Music Therapist make?

The average salary for a Music Therapist is $70,090 per year in the US.

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 $70,090. This means that most music therapists earn between $45,455 and $93,182 each year.

The salary can vary based on several factors. These include experience, location, and the type of facility where the therapist works. For example, those working in hospitals or schools may have different salary ranges compared to those in private practice or community centers. Music therapists with more experience often earn higher salaries. Also, therapists in larger cities or areas with a higher cost of living may earn more than those in smaller towns.

View Music Therapist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Music Therapist?

Job seekers looking for top-paying Music Therapist positions can find excellent opportunities in San Antonio, TX, where the average salary reaches $101,652. Syracuse, NY, and Austin, TX, also offer competitive salaries, with figures close to $93,000 and $92,000, respectively. Houston, Miami, and Colorado Springs provide attractive salaries, making these cities ideal for those seeking rewarding careers in music therapy.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Music Therapist jobs, highlighting San Antonio, TX with the highest at $101,652 and Fort Wayne, IN with the lowest at $66,267.
  1. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $101,652
    San Antonio offers a vibrant environment for music therapy professionals. With a strong community focus, therapists can work in hospitals, schools, and private practices. The city's diverse population allows for a wide range of therapeutic experiences.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in San Antonio, TX


  2. Syracuse, NY
    Average Salary: $93,522
    In Syracuse, music therapists find opportunities in both educational institutions and healthcare facilities. The city's commitment to the arts creates a supportive setting for those who use music to heal. Local organizations often collaborate, providing diverse work environments.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Syracuse, NY


  3. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $92,621
    Austin is known for its live music scene, making it an exciting place for music therapists. The city offers many opportunities in schools, clinics, and community centers. Therapists can engage with a creative and open-minded community.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Austin, TX


  4. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $92,189
    Houston provides a dynamic environment for music therapists. The city's large healthcare system and numerous schools offer diverse opportunities. Therapists can work with a wide range of patients, from children to the elderly.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Houston, TX


  5. Miami, FL
    Average Salary: $87,019
    Miami's multicultural environment enriches the work of music therapists. The city's vibrant music scene offers unique opportunities to integrate cultural elements into therapy. Therapists can work in hospitals, schools, and community centers.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Miami, FL


  6. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $78,154
    Colorado Springs offers a scenic and healthy environment for music therapists. The city's focus on wellness and outdoor activities provides a unique backdrop for therapeutic work. Therapists can find opportunities in both urban and rural settings.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  7. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $72,618
    San Diego's mild climate and strong community spirit make it an ideal place for music therapists. The city's numerous healthcare facilities and schools offer diverse opportunities. Therapists can engage with a health-conscious population.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in San Diego, CA


  8. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $70,432
    Buffalo provides a supportive environment for music therapists. The city's commitment to education and healthcare creates many opportunities. Therapists can work in schools, hospitals, and community centers, reaching a diverse population.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Buffalo, NY


  9. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $66,279
    St. Louis offers a mix of urban and suburban settings for music therapists. The city's strong healthcare system and educational institutions provide diverse opportunities. Therapists can work with a wide range of patients and communities.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in St. Louis, MO


  10. Fort Wayne, IN
    Average Salary: $66,267
    Fort Wayne provides a welcoming environment for music therapists. The city's focus on community and education creates many opportunities. Therapists can work in schools, clinics, and community centers, reaching a diverse population.
    Find Music Therapist jobs in Fort Wayne, IN

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying music therapist positions should consider Jemcare, which offers an average salary of $100,000. Liberty Resources, Inc. follows closely with an average salary of $99,387. Southwestern Music Therapy also provides a competitive salary of $94,737. Other notable employers include Complete Therapies, L.L.C. and Benchmark Human Services, both offering salaries above $90,000. These companies recognize the value of music therapists and provide attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Music Therapist jobs, highlighting Jemcare with the highest at $100,000 and Meaningful Day Services with the lowest at $54,700.
  1. Jemcare
    Average Salary: $100,000
    Jemcare offers rewarding Music Therapist jobs with a focus on patient care. They operate in various locations, providing a supportive environment for therapists to grow.


  2. Liberty Resources, Inc.
    Average Salary: $99,387
    Liberty Resources, Inc. provides excellent opportunities for Music Therapists. They have multiple locations, ensuring diverse experiences for therapists.


  3. Southwestern Music Therapy
    Average Salary: $94,737
    Southwestern Music Therapy is known for offering competitive salaries. They operate in several locations, providing a rich environment for therapeutic work.


  4. Complete Therapies, L.L.C.
    Average Salary: $92,115
    At Complete Therapies, L.L.C., Music Therapists enjoy a supportive workplace. They serve various locations, offering diverse therapeutic experiences.


  5. Benchmark Human Services
    Average Salary: $80,708
    Benchmark Human Services provides a stable environment for Music Therapists. They operate in multiple locations, ensuring a variety of therapeutic settings.


  6. ETTIE LEE YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES
    Average Salary: $68,185
    ETTIE LEE YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES offers meaningful work for Music Therapists. They serve various locations, providing a supportive community for therapists.


  7. Cortica
    Average Salary: $67,488
    Cortica provides a nurturing environment for Music Therapists. They operate in several locations, offering diverse opportunities for professional growth.


  8. AccentCare
    Average Salary: $62,762
    AccentCare offers a supportive workplace for Music Therapists. They serve various locations, providing a rich environment for therapeutic work.


  9. Georgetown Hill Early School
    Average Salary: $55,000
    Georgetown Hill Early School provides a nurturing environment for Music Therapists. They operate in several locations, offering a supportive community for therapists.


  10. Meaningful Day Services
    Average Salary: $54,700
    Meaningful Day Services offers rewarding opportunities for Music Therapists. They serve various locations, providing a supportive environment for professional growth.

How to earn more as a Music Therapist?

Music therapists have a unique and rewarding career. They use music to help people improve their mental, emotional, and physical health. To earn more in this field, consider these key factors. Each of these can help increase earning potential.

First, gaining more experience can lead to higher pay. Therapists who work in the field for several years often see their salaries rise. Experience allows them to take on more responsibilities and work with a wider range of clients. Second, obtaining advanced degrees or certifications can also boost earnings. Specializing in areas like pediatric music therapy or neuromusicology can make a therapist more valuable to employers. Third, working in high-demand areas can lead to higher pay. Urban areas or regions with fewer therapists often offer better salaries. Fourth, building a strong professional network can open up more job opportunities. Networking with other professionals can lead to referrals and higher-paying positions. Finally, starting a private practice can significantly increase income. Therapists who run their own businesses can set their own rates and work with clients who are willing to pay more for personalized services.

By focusing on these factors, music therapists can work towards earning more in their careers.

  1. Gain more experience
  2. Obtain advanced degrees or certifications
  3. Work in high-demand areas
  4. Build a strong professional network
  5. Start a private practice

Currently 289 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
Overview
Music Therapist
289 Job Openings