Music Therapist
Heal Through Music
Support Emotional Expression
Transform Patient Engagement
Undergraduate
No degrees available
Graduate
No degrees available
Post-Graduate
No degrees available
This is the educational pathway. There may be additional tests or licensure requirements necessary before begining to practice in the field. Consult your state guidelines for more. information.
Career Reality
Average Salary
The median annual wage for recreational therapists, a closely related therapy field that includes music therapy roles, was $57,120 in May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Market Demand
Employment of recreational therapists is projected to grow about 4 percent from 2023 to 2033. Demand is supported by expanding use of therapeutic programs in healthcare and rehabilitation settings.
Work Environment
Music therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, mental health clinics, schools, hospice programs, and long-term care facilities.
Common Employers
Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, school systems, behavioral health organizations, hospice programs, and nonprofit therapy organizations.
Career Advancement
Advancement may include specialization in areas such as neurological music therapy, leadership of therapy programs, private practice, or clinical supervision roles.
Popular Titles
Core Areas of Impact
Is this career right for you?
What is the role of a music therapist?
A music therapist uses music-based interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals in therapeutic settings.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day includes assessing patient needs, leading therapeutic music sessions, developing treatment plans, documenting progress, and collaborating with healthcare or education professionals.
Where do music therapists work?
Music therapists work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, mental health programs, hospice care, and community therapy programs.
What are the common job titles and career paths?
Common roles include Clinical Music Therapist and Neurologic Music Therapist. Career paths may lead to therapy program leadership, specialized neurological therapy, or private practice.
Who is this career a good fit for?
This career suits individuals who combine strong musical ability with interest in psychology, therapy, and helping patients express emotions and improve wellbeing.
What are the biggest rewards of this career?
Rewards include meaningful patient engagement, creative therapeutic work, and the ability to support healing through music.
What does long-term growth look like?
Long-term growth may include advanced certifications, specialization in neurological rehabilitation, leadership of therapy programs, or development of private therapy practices.
What is the educational pathway to become a music therapist?
To become a music therapist, you must complete a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an accredited program, complete a supervised clinical internship, and pass the national certification examination administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists to earn the MT-BC credential.
The standard pathway includes completion of an accredited music therapy degree, supervised clinical training, and national board certification.
