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Verified by WI Board of Healthcare

Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing in Wisconsin

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Marriage and Family Therapist in Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Experience: Work experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Individuals who wish to practice marriage and family therapy or who wish to use the title "marriage and family therapist" must be licensed as a marriage and family therapist or hold a marriage and family therapist training license, pursuant to s.

  6. 6

    A license is required to practice marriage and family therapy or use the title "marriage and family therapist" except as indicated under s.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $34,700 median (46% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #50 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Marriage and Family Therapist licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: Work experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of $34,700, Marriage and Family Therapists in Wisconsin earn 46% below the national median of $63,780. Wisconsin ranks #50 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$34,700

Hourly estimate

$16.68
46% below national median

Difference: -$29,080

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,250
  • P2525th percentile$34,700
  • P50Median$34,700
  • P7575th percentile$45,530
  • P9090th percentile$70,200

State vs National Median

State: $34,700
National: $63,780

Total employment: 230 | Annual openings: N/A

Marriage and Family Therapist Salary Ranking

#50 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
Wisconsin$34,700Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$72,370Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$61,450Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Illinois$60,140Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Michigan$52,890Degree 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
Wisconsin50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa56MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Illinois50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Michigan60MediumState-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

WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935

Phone: 6082662112

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Audiologist$90,380Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

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

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

Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

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

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

The median annual salary for Marriage and Family Therapists in Wisconsin is $34,700. Salaries range from $34,250 (10th percentile) to $70,200 (90th percentile).

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

Marriage and Family Therapists in Wisconsin earn 46% below the national median of $63,780, with a state median of $34,700.

How many Marriage and Family Therapists work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 230 Marriage and Family Therapists according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Marriage and Family Therapist license to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.

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

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