Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by IA Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Iowa
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Iowa, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in Iowa
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: Work experience required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals • Board of Behavioral Science
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$61,450 median (4% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#27 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Iowa eligibility requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals~Board of Behavioral Science.
Salary Insights in Iowa
With a median salary of 61,450, Marriage and Family Therapists in Iowa earn 4% below the national median of 63780. Iowa ranks #27 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$61,450Hourly estimate
$29.544% below national median
Difference: -$2,330
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#27 of 50 statesfor Marriage and Family Therapist median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Hawaii | 135,870 |
| #2 | New Jersey | 89,030 |
| #3 | Utah | 81,170 |
| #4 | Virginia | 80,670 |
| #5 | Oregon | 79,890 |
Nearby States Comparison
Marriage and Family Therapist licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | $61,450 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Minnesota | $72,370 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $34,700 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Illinois | $60,140 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $64,900 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Nebraska | $68,550 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| South Dakota | $51,190 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Nebraska | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals • Board of Behavioral Science
6200 Park Avenue Des Moines, IA 50321, Suite 100, Des Moines, IA, 50319
Phone: 5152425938
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Iowa?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Marriage and Family Therapists in Iowa?
Iowa lists Third-party exam 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 Iowa?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Iowa.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Iowa?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Iowa is 61,450. Salaries range from 42120 (10th percentile) to 169590 (90th percentile).
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Iowa earn 4% below the national median of 63780, with a state median of 61,450.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Iowa?
Iowa employs approximately 90 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Iowa 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.
Who is the licensing agency for Marriage and Family Therapists in Iowa?
The licensing agency is Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals / Board of Behavioral Science. Review agency details at https://dial.iowa.gov/about/boards/behavioral-science.