Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by PA Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Pennsylvania
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania
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
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Social Workers; Marriage & Family Therapists; & Professional Counselors Board
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$64,570 median (1% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#16 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Pennsylvania 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 Department of State~Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs~Social Workers; Marriage & Family Therapists; & Professional Counselors Board.
Salary Insights in Pennsylvania
With a median salary of 64,570, Marriage and Family Therapists in Pennsylvania earn 1% above the national median of 63780. Pennsylvania ranks #16 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$64,570Hourly estimate
$31.041% above national median
Difference: +$790
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#16 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | $64,570 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New York | $65,020 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| New Jersey | $89,030 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Delaware | $63,360 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Maryland | $65,300 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| West Virginia | $48,180 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Ohio | $63,880 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New York | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| New Jersey | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Delaware | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Maryland | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| West Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-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.
Official Licensing Agency
Department of State • Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs • Social Workers; Marriage & Family Therapists; & Professional Counselors Board
P.O. Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA, 17105-2649
Phone: 7177831389
Related Careers in Pennsylvania
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $87,210 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $75,610 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $61,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $48,290 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Pennsylvania.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Pennsylvania is 64,570. Salaries range from 48000 (10th percentile) to 90800 (90th percentile).
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Pennsylvania earn 1% above the national median of 63780, with a state median of 64,570.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania employs approximately 2360 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
The licensing agency is Department of State / Bureau of Professional & Occupational Affairs / Social Workers; Marriage & Family Therapists; & Professional Counselors Board. Review agency details at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/SocialWorkersMarriageanFamilyTherapistsandProfessionalCounselors/Pages/default.aspx.