Explore national salary, projected growth, education requirements, and career opportunities across the United States.
A concise view of this occupation’s national scale, compensation, and projected demand.
National median annual wage for this occupation.
Estimated jobs currently supported nationwide.
Projected employment change through 2034.
Estimated openings created each year.
The typical education, prior experience, and on-the-job training associated with entry into this career.
Bachelor's degree
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These are the highest-rated capabilities associated with success in this occupation. Scores are derived from occupational skill analysis and are measured on a 100-point scale.
Based on skills, knowledge, and work activities, these occupations are the closest match to your current career.
Explore the states and metropolitan areas offering the strongest combination of salary, employment, demand, and long-term opportunity.
Discover metro markets where compensation, hiring demand, and long-term momentum align.
Understand the salary, outlook, education, and geographic opportunities shaping this career.
Therapists, all other represent a diverse group of therapy professionals with a national median annual salary of $65,010 and employment of about 56,000. The field shows projected employment growth of 11.5%, with an estimated 4,000 annual openings, indicating ongoing demand across the country. This career typically requires at least a bachelor’s degree, along with a strong mix of interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills. Top skills such as interpersonal ability, adaptability, problem solving and decision making, and critical and analytical thinking support success in this role. Strong speaking and listening, along with writing and reading, help therapists communicate effectively with a range of people. Creativity and innovation, leadership, and customer service skills also play a role in delivering effective therapeutic support. For students, career changers, and experienced professionals, this occupation offers a combination of skill-based work, structured education expectations, and growth in employment opportunities nationwide.
Therapists, all other earn a national median annual salary of $65,010, with notable variation by state and metro area. Among the highlighted states, California stands out with a median salary of $81,760, followed by New York at $77,980 and Virginia at $70,890. Massachusetts and Colorado are closer to the national median, at $69,050 and $65,080 respectively. At the metro level, differences are even more pronounced. The San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, CA metro reports a median salary of $122,120, significantly higher than other listed areas. Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CA ($77,610) and Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV ($76,630) also show higher median salaries compared with the national figure. Boston–Cambridge–Newton, MA-NH ($69,500) and Denver–Aurora–Centennial, CO ($73,250) offer earnings near or moderately above the national median. These patterns suggest that location can have a substantial impact on earning potential.
This occupation shows a projected employment growth rate of 11.5%, applied consistently across the national level and the listed states and metro areas. National employment is currently about 56,000, with an estimated 4,000 annual openings. Together, these figures point to a meaningful flow of new and replacement positions over time. States such as California, New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, and Colorado all share the same 11.5% projected growth rate, even though their employment levels differ. For example, California has 840 employed, New York has 1,110, and Virginia has 420, indicating varying concentrations of jobs despite similar growth projections. At the metro level, San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont, Washington–Arlington–Alexandria, Boston–Cambridge–Newton, Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, and Denver–Aurora–Centennial each also show 11.5% projected growth. For job seekers, this combination of growth and annual openings suggests that opportunities are expected to continue emerging in multiple regions.
Geography plays a clear role in opportunities for therapists, all other. Among states, California, Massachusetts, and New York have the highest CareerGPS opportunity scores, at 67.38, 65.87, and 65.78 respectively. California and New York also show higher median salaries ($81,760 and $77,980) and relatively larger employment counts (840 and 1,110). Massachusetts has a median salary of $69,050 and employment of 170, but still ranks high in opportunity score. Colorado and Virginia offer opportunity scores of 56.97 and 54.96, with median salaries of $65,080 and $70,890 and employment of 160 and 420, respectively. At the metro level, San Francisco–Oakland–Fremont leads with an opportunity score of 68.75 and a median salary of $122,120, though employment is 100. Washington–Arlington–Alexandria has 480 employed, an opportunity score of 64.47, and a median salary of $76,630, indicating a larger local job base. Other metros like Boston–Cambridge–Newton, Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, and Denver–Aurora–Centennial combine moderate to strong salaries with varying employment levels and opportunity scores.
The typical education requirement for therapists, all other is a bachelor’s degree. This sets a clear entry-level academic expectation for students and career changers considering this field. Beyond formal education, the occupation emphasizes a broad and balanced skill set. Interpersonal skills, speaking and listening, and customer service are central to working effectively with people in a therapeutic context. Adaptability, problem solving and decision making, and critical and analytical thinking support sound judgment and effective responses to varied situations. Science knowledge contributes to understanding therapeutic concepts, while strong writing and reading skills help with documentation and communication. Creativity and innovation, along with leadership, round out the profile, supporting initiative and the ability to guide others. Together, the bachelor’s degree requirement and this combination of skills suggest that both academic preparation and personal competencies are important for success in this occupation.
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