Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.
Music Therapists
SOC: 29-1129 O*NET: 29-1129.02
Median Salary
$65,010
per year
Job Growth
🚀 11.5%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Plan, organize, direct, or assess clinical and evidenced-based music therapy interventions to positively influence individuals' physical, psychological, cognitive, or behavioral status.
What does a Music Therapists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$38,840
10th percentile
Early Career
$49,510
25th percentile
Median
$65,010
50th percentile
Experienced
$85,010
75th percentile
Top Earners
$120,050
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$38,840
25th
$49,510
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$65,010
Mean: $73,800
75th
$85,010
90th
$120,050
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $81,210 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $49,510 and $85,010
- •Salary spread is 54.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 19,320 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:56,100
Top Industries
Ambulatory Health Care Services48.4%
Offices of Other Health Practitioners32.9%
Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists21.5%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+11.5%
Annual Openings:4,100
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)56,100
Current
2034 (Projected)62,500
+11.5%
+6,400
Employment Change
+11.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Music Therapists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 44 locations
New Jersey
2,530 jobs$90,2804.75x
Georgia
1,580 jobs$63,5402.59x
Maryland
1,540 jobs$47,5204.48x
Texas
1,480 jobs$62,5600.85x
California
1,130 jobs$71,1900.50x
New York
990 jobs$67,8700.83x
Louisiana
900 jobs$61,4003.76x
Pennsylvania
630 jobs$59,5400.83x
Illinois
620 jobs$71,0400.81x
Wisconsin
570 jobs$57,5401.55x
Minnesota
540 jobs$73,3001.48x
Florida
540 jobs$57,7700.44x
North Carolina
440 jobs$65,3100.72x
Kentucky
400 jobs$99,0601.61x
Tennessee
400 jobs$45,8000.98x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
✓
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Service Orientation
Service Orientation
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Learning Strategies
Learning Strategies
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
What knowledge is required?
✓
Therapy and Counseling
✓
Psychology
✓
Fine Arts
✓
English Language
✓
Customer and Personal Service
✓
Sociology and Anthropology
✓
Education and Training
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Music Therapists
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Music Therapists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Music Therapists professionals typically have a SAI Holland code and highly value relationships
SSocial
AArtistic
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Music Therapists
Concern for Others
CriticalConcern for Others
Importance Level5.00
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.85
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.77
Adaptability/Flexibility
CriticalAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.69
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.60
Cooperation
CriticalCooperation
Importance Level4.54
Complete Work Styles Profile
Concern for Others
5.0
Self-Control
4.8
Integrity
4.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.7
Dependability
4.6
Cooperation
4.5
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Persistence
4.3
Initiative
4.3
Innovation
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
Ready to Start Your Journey?
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