Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by TN Board of Healthcare
Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Tennessee
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for marriage and family therapist in Tennessee, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Register with licensing agency
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: Background check required
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Department of Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$45,660 median (28% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#48 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Tennessee eligibility requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: State exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Department of Health~Division of Health Related Boards~Division of Health Related Boards.
Salary Insights in Tennessee
With a median salary of 45,660, Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee earn 28% below the national median of 63780. Tennessee ranks #48 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$45,660Hourly estimate
$21.9528% below national median
Difference: -$18,120
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationMarriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking
#48 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | $45,660 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $60,190 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Virginia | $80,670 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| North Carolina | $53,910 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Georgia | $58,830 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Alabama | $54,280 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Mississippi | $51,260 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Arkansas | $47,090 | Degree required | Both state and third-party exams required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $64,900 | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Virginia | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| North Carolina | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Georgia | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Alabama | 50 | Low | 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 Health • Division of Health Related Boards • Division of Health Related Boards
"665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor", Na, 000TN-7243
Phone: N/A
Agency website was unavailable in source data, using official search fallback.
Related Careers in Tennessee
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $89,670 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $79,240 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $57,760 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $46,090 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Marriage and Family Therapist in Tennessee?
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 Tennessee?
Tennessee lists State 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 Tennessee?
The board typically expects Degree required for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure in Tennessee.
What is the typical Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee is 45,660. Salaries range from 31000 (10th percentile) to 60820 (90th percentile).
How does the Marriage and Family Therapist salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
Marriage and Family Therapists in Tennessee earn 28% below the national median of 63780, with a state median of 45,660.
How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Tennessee?
Tennessee employs approximately 2590 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Tennessee 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 Tennessee?
The licensing agency is Department of Health / Division of Health Related Boards / Division of Health Related Boards.