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Verified by AL Board of Healthcare

Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Alabama

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Alabama, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in Alabama

Estimated timeline: 19 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.

  4. 4

    Certification: Certification required.

  5. 5

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

  6. 6

    This applicant must be at least 19 years of age

    • Applicant shall be required to demonstrate his or her United States citizenship
    • Must complete a Master's degree, plus two (2) years related work experience
    • Must complete a minimum two (2) years post-graduate supervision requirement.
  7. 7

    All applicants must meet education requirements, as well as supervision and intern hours

    • Applicants must pass an examination approved by the Board and monitor continuing education credits to maintain licensure.

Exam and processing details

  • pass an examination approved by the Board and monitor continuing education credits to maintain licensure

Continuing education and program notes

  • continuing education credits to maintain licensure

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage & Family Therapists

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $54,280 median (15% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #36 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Confirm eligibility prerequisites (This applicant must be at least 19 years of age; Applicant shall be required to demonstrate his or her United States citizenship; Must co...).
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required pass an examination approved by the Board and monitor continuing education credits to maintain licensure.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Felony convictions prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Felony convictions prohibited.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage & Family Therapists and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Alabama

With a median salary of $54,280, Marriage and Family Therapists in Alabama earn 15% below the national median of $63,780. Alabama ranks #36 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 19 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.9%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,201

Median annual salary

$54,280

Hourly estimate

$26.10
15% below national median

Difference: -$9,500

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$37,820
  • P2525th percentile$43,690
  • P50Median$54,280
  • P7575th percentile$63,660
  • P9090th percentile$79,920

State vs National Median

State: $54,280
National: $63,780

Total employment: 200 | Annual openings: N/A

Marriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking

#36 of 50 statesfor Marriage and Family Therapist median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Hawaii$135,870
#2New Jersey$89,030
#3Utah$81,170
#4Virginia$80,670
#5Oregon$79,890

Nearby States Comparison

Marriage and Family Therapist licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Alabama$54,280Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams required19 years
Tennessee$45,660Degree requiredState exam required1-18 years
Georgia$58,830Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Florida$50,220Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Mississippi$51,260Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Alabama50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Tennessee50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Georgia25LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
Florida56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Mississippi50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage & Family Therapists

2777 Zelda Rd., Montgomery, AL, 36106

Phone: 3343957455

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FAQ

How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Alabama?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 19 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Marriage and Family Therapists in Alabama?

Alabama lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Marriage and Family Therapists.

What education do you need to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Alabama?

The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Alabama.

What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Alabama?

The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Alabama is $54,280. Salaries range from $37,820 (10th percentile) to $79,920 (90th percentile).

How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Alabama compare to the national average?

Marriage and Family Therapists in Alabama earn 15% below the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $54,280.

How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Alabama?

Alabama employs approximately 200 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Alabama from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Marriage and Family Therapists in Alabama?

The licensing agency is Alabama Board of Examiners in Marriage & Family Therapists. Review agency details at https://www.mft.alabama.gov/.

How often do you renew a Marriage and Family Therapist license in Alabama?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.