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Various jobs in the country provide therapy or therapeutic services for the enhancement of mental, emotional, and physical well-being. These occupations aren’t just personally fulfilling but also financially rewarding.
Check out our list below for the top-paying jobs that provide therapeutic services.
Psychiatrist
- National Average: $247,350 per year or $118.92 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Local Government, except hospitals and schools
- Minimum Education: Doctoral degree
- Licensing Requirements: License required in all states; requirements vary among states; board certification is not required but advantageous
- Projected Growth Rate: 3% (2022-2032) (categorized together with surgeons and physicians)
Psychiatrists are primary care physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health illnesses. They are trained in the fields of psychotherapy or personal counseling, as well as psychoanalysis.
Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are also trained in the fields of medication and hospitalization, and thus, they’re qualified to prescribe medications to their patients to address mental illnesses that chemical imbalances may cause.
Clinical Psychologist
- National Average: $102,740 per year or $49.40 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Employment Services
- Minimum Education: Doctoral degree
- Licensing Requirements: License required for those practicing independently
- Projected Growth Rate: 6% (2022-2032)
Clinical psychologists are mental health professionals specializing in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of emotional and psychological issues. They are often employed in healthcare establishments, including offices of health practitioners and physicians, as well as in outpatient care centers.
Their scope of work generally includes:
- Psychological assessment of clients’ behavioral, emotional, and cognitive functioning
- Diagnosis of mental health disorders based on clinical observations and assessments
- Therapy of individuals, couples, or groups to address psychological issues
- Development and implementation of treatment or intervention plans
- Guide and support clients who need to deal with life challenges or stressors
Occupational Therapist
- National Average: $92,800 per year or $44.61 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Management of Enterprises and Companies
- Minimum Education: Master’s
- Licensing Requirements: All states require professionals to be licensed
- Projected Growth Rate: 12% (2022-2032)
Occupational therapists assist individuals with disabilities, injuries, and illnesses in gaining the necessary skills that foster independence for daily living and vocational goals.
The highest-paying industry for these healthcare professionals is the “Management of Companies and Enterprises” sector. It generally includes holding companies and corporate offices that manage or oversee the operations of other organizations.
The roles and responsibilities of occupational therapists generally include:
- Development and implementation of individualized treatment plans for the improvement of client’s functional abilities and independence
- Rehabilitation of individuals recovering from illnesses, surgeries, or injuries to regain optimal function and reintegrate into daily life
- Education of clients and their families on strategies for maintaining and improving function
Physical Therapist
- National Average: $97,960 per year or $47.10 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Outpatient Care Centers
- Minimum Education: Doctoral degree
- Licensing Requirements: All states require a professional license
- Projected Growth Rate: 15% (2022-2023)
Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who assist in managing pain and improving movement for individuals with injuries, illness, or other conditions that affect physical mobility and function. Most physical therapists work full-time and during normal business hours, with some of them working on weekends and evenings.
Their scope of work generally includes:
- Assess the patient’s physical function to identify limitations and impairments
- Develop and implement personalized treatment plans for improving specific functional goals
- Help clients through the rehabilitation process to recover from accidents, surgeries, and related conditions
- Provide education on proper body mechanics and exercises to foster patients’ active role in the recovery process
- Educate individuals on matters involving the prevention of injuries
Radiation Therapist
- National Average: $98,340 per year or $47.28 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Outpatient Care Centers
- Minimum Education: Associate in radiation therapy
- Licensing Requirements: Most states require certification or license, which may include sitting for a national certification exam
- Projected Growth Rate: 2% (2022-2032)
Radiation Therapists are healthcare specialists who administer radiation treatment to patients with cancer and other related diseases. Although outpatient care centers offer the highest pay, radiation therapists are mostly employed full-time in general medical and surgical hospitals as well as in physician offices.
Their scope of work generally includes:
- Developing treatment plans for patients in collaboration with oncologists and medical physicists.
- Educating patients on treatment procedures to optimize the accuracy of radiation delivery and its potential side effects and adhering to therapy schedules.
- Operating specialized radiation therapy equipment to ensure precise radiation doses to targeted areas.
- Maintaining detailed and accurate treatment session records, including patients’ responses and observed side effects
- Collaborating with the healthcare team in monitoring patients’ progress and determining necessary adjustments to the treatment plan
Genetic Counselors
- National Average: $93,120 per year or $44.77 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Outpatient Care Centers
- Minimum Education: Master in Genetic Counseling
- Licensing Requirements: Almost all states require professionals to be licensed, which needs board certification
- Projected Growth Rate: 16% (2022-2032)
Genetic counselors are health practitioners who evaluate genetic information and assess medical/family histories to identify their clients’ hereditary risks. Their clients may include parents who want to assess their risk of bearing children with inherited conditions, as well as individuals who want to know their risks of developing cancer and other genetic syndromes or disorders.
The duties of genetic counselors mainly include the following:
- Employ various methods of collecting comprehensive medical and family histories of clients
- Analyze and assess clients’ risks of hereditary conditions
- Provide emotional, psychological, and other forms of support to clients distressed by the test results
- Educate clients on genetic risks, inherited conditions, as well as testing options, associated risks and related matters
- Maintain accurate documentation on counseling sessions for collaboration with physicians and other healthcare providers
Speech-Language Pathologists
- National Average: $84,140 per year or $40.45 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Management of Enterprises and Companies
- Minimum Education: Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology
- Licensing Requirements: License required in all states
- Projected Growth Rate: 19% (2022-2032)
Speech-language pathologists are healthcare specialists who assess and treat patients with communication challenges. They are commonly employed in schools and offices of health practitioners (other than physicians) as full-time professionals. Part-time employment is also common for this occupation. In addition, they occasionally work in the realm of Special Education.
Their roles and responsibilities include:
- Assessing and diagnosing patients with communication and speech disorders
- Providing speech and language therapy to patients as needed
- Providing counseling and education on oral motor disorders and strategies for enhanced communication
- Collaborating with healthcare professionals and caregivers for patients’ comprehensive care
Child Life Specialists
- National Average: $74,365 per year or $21.68 per hour
- Minimum Education: Bachelor in Child Life Studies or related field
- Licensing Requirements: Employers generally prefer professionals with certification from the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) or those eligible to sit for the certification exam
- Projected Growth Rate: 12% (2018-2028)
Child life specialists are healthcare professionals who provide support and advice to children and families during hospitalization, illness, disability, and other related scenarios. They are often employed in children’s hospitals to work with pediatric patients. They also work with children who have to be in the hospital while adult family members are being admitted.
The work of child life specialists generally includes:
- Implement therapeutic play to help children express their feelings and comprehend medical experiences
- Educate children on medical procedures and prepare them to reduce fear and anxiety
- Provide emotional support to children and families and address concerns about the healthcare environment
- Organize normalization activities within the hospital setting, such as playgroups and special events
- Collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive care for the well-being of pediatric patients
Respiratory Therapists
- National Average: $74,310 per year or $35.73 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Management of Enterprises and Companies
- Minimum Education: Associate in Respiratory Therapy
- Licensing Requirements: Alaska doesn’t require professionals to be licensed, unlike all other states
- Projected Growth Rate: 13% (2022-2032)
Respiratory therapists are healthcare specialists catering to the needs of patients with breathing problems, such as those with asthma or chronic conditions. While the minimum educational requirement to be a respiratory therapist is only an Associate’s degree, some employers prefer hiring those with a Bachelor’s degree.
The respiratory therapists’ scope of work generally includes:
- Assessment of patients’ overall cardiopulmonary health and respiratory conditions
- Development or implementation of treatment plans to address respiratory issues
- Operation and maintenance of life support equipment for patients requiring breathing assistance
- Emergency response during cardiac arrest and other life-threatening situations
- Rehabilitation assistance to patients recovering from surgeries or conditions that affect respiratory systems
Forensic Psychologist
- National Average: $83,065 per year or $39.94 per hour
- Minimum Education: Doctoral degree
- Licensing Requirements: No special licensing requirements other than what’s required for clinical psychologists
- Projected Growth Rate: 6% (2018-2028)
Forensic psychologists generally apply psychological concepts and theories to criminal investigations to comprehend issues related to criminal behaviors. They work in all sectors of the civil and criminal justice system.
Aside from their many duties in every aspect of the criminal justice system, including providing expert testimony in courtroom trials and analyzing crime scene evidence, forensic psychologists also provide counseling and treatment of victims of crimes. They also deliver therapy services to individuals convicted of crimes.
Board Certified Behavior Analysts or ABA Therapist
- National Average: $80,802 per year or $55.12 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Religious Organizations
- Minimum Education: Master in Behavior Analysis or Psychology
- Licensing Requirements: Some states may require a behavior analyst or ABA Therapist to obtain a license to practice; certification is available through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board
- Projected Growth Rate: 18% (2022-2023) (categorized together with substance abuse counselors)
ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysts) therapists are healthcare professionals who apply the principles of behavior analysis to help their clients enhance their lives by addressing behavioral challenges. ABA therapists are also hired to help clients enhance their communication and language skills, as well as improve focus, academics, attention, and social skills, especially for children or students with special needs. Also, they often work with Autistic children.
Geriatric Counselors
- National Average: $71,319 per year or $34 per hour
- Minimum Education: Master’s degree for those who want to become licensed
- Licensing Requirements: Most states require geriatric counselors to obtain a license to practice
Geriatric counselors, also called gerontological counselors, are healthcare professionals who work with older adults as they go through the challenging processes of aging, such as cognitive and physical changes, and deal with emotional and psychological consequences.
The roles and responsibilities of geriatric counselors include:
- Assess the psychological and physical needs, limitations and capabilities of older adults
- Provide direct care and mental health treatment, among other services that improve their client’s quality of life
- Advice clients on the best daily activities and living arrangements
- Provide end-of-life counseling to their clients and their family members
Drama Therapist
- National Average: $66,983 per year or $32 per hour
- Minimum Education: Master in Drama Therapy or a related field with training in drama therapy
- Licensing Requirements: Registered Drama Therapists (RDTs) are certified by the North American Drama Therapy Association
- Projected Growth Rate: 4% (2022-2032), applicable to all recreational therapist jobs
Drama therapists are specialists in the intentional use of theater processes with the goal of achieving therapeutic effects for their clients. The activities generally include allowing clients to achieve catharsis by telling stories, expressing feelings, solving problems and other drama-and-theater-related methodologies.
Registered drama therapists can find work in mental health clinics, hospitals, and other healthcare settings, as well as non-clinical settings such as correctional facilities, community centers, training organizations, and nursing homes.
Aquatic Therapist
- National Average: $64,503 per year or $31 per hour
- Minimum Education: Aquatic therapist certification is an add-on certification for physical therapists
- Licensing Requirements: Certification is available through the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute (ATRI)
Aquatic therapists are healthcare specialists who provide therapeutic services for fitness, relaxation, physical rehabilitation, and other benefits through exercises done in water. They apply the principles of physics and water to the development of therapeutic exercise plans to ensure the greatest patient outcomes.
Family and Marriage Therapist
- National Average: $63,300 per year or $30.44 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Home Health Care Services
- Minimum Education: Masters
- Licensing Requirements: License required in all states
- Projected Growth Rate: 15% (2022-2023)
Family and marriage therapists specialize in helping individuals and couples manage and deal with issues involving family matters and other relationships. They are mental health professionals who generally work full-time, with many of them working in the evenings and weekends to suit the schedules of their clients.
Their scope of work generally includes:
- Individual counseling to address personal issues affecting relationships
- Couples therapy for improving communication and resolving conflicts
- Family therapy
- Child and adolescent therapy
- Pre-marital counseling for helping couples build a strong foundation
- Divorce counseling for helping individuals and families during separation
- Crisis intervention for supporting clients during challenging times
Palliative Care Social Worker or Counselor
- National Average: $62,760 per year or $30.17 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Scientific Development and Research Services, applicable to all healthcare social workers
- Minimum Education: Master in Social Work
- Licensing Requirements: All states require clinical social workers to be licensed
- Projected Growth Rate: 7% (2022-2032), applicable to all social workers
Palliative care social workers or counselors are clinical social workers who provide assistance and emotional support to patients and their families who are facing life-limiting or serious illnesses.
The roles of palliative care social workers or counselors generally include:
- Provide a safe place for clients and their families to express their concerns and feelings.
- Help patients cope with the illness’ emotional effects.
- Assess and address the social and practical needs of their clients and families, such as caregiving arrangements and housing.
- Facilitate advance care planning to support their clients in making well-informed decisions about their care.
- Provide bereavement support to surviving family members in case the patients pass away.
Neurofeedback Therapist
- National Average: $62,715 per year
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree in a healthcare field
- Licensing Requirements: Entry-level certification is available through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance or BCIA
Neurofeedback therapists utilize neurofeedback or electroencephalogram (EEG) biofeedback to assess their patients’ brainwave activity for therapeutic intervention purposes. Clients will be able to see immediate feedback on their brain activities as they react to stimuli in real-time.
The therapists use the results to devise the appropriate treatment or intervention plan to address behavioral issues such as depression, addiction, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety. Patients also seek out neurofeedback therapy for conditions like migraines, insomnia, and ADHD.
According to Data Bridge Market Research, the worldwide neurofeedback market may expand to $1,908.66 million by 2029 from $1,096.02 million in 2021 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.18% between 2022 and 2029. The research also cited the increasing prevalence of anxiety and ADHD as market opportunities.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Social Worker
- National Average: $60,130 per year or $28.91 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Home Health Care Services
- Minimum Education: Master in Social Work
- Licensing Requirements: All states require clinical social workers to be licensed
- Projected Growth Rate: 7% (2022-2032), applicable to all social workers
Social workers specialize in substance abuse and mental health. They have a range of advocacy and clinical duties with the goal of assisting their clients to address addiction and enhance their mental well-being.
The roles and responsibilities of substance abuse and mental health social workers include the following:
- Assessment of clients’ situation and condition to identify strengths, challenges, and treatment objectives
- Educating and counseling individuals or groups to address mental health issues and substance abuse
- Referring clients to relevant services that will support their overall well-being
- Coordinating and managing services and healthcare providers for the care of their clients
- Community engagement to boost awareness and foster prevention of mental health and substance abuse issues
Massage Therapist
- National Average: $57,060 per year or $27.43 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Other Schools and Instruction
- Minimum Education: Postsecondary Education
- Licensing Requirements: Most states require certification or license
- Projected Growth Rate: 18% (2022-2032)
Massage therapists are healthcare specialists who treat patients by applying pressure to manipulate the body’s soft tissues in order to alleviate pain and promote relaxation. Many massage therapists are self-employed, while most of those employed are working in personal care services establishments and offices of health practitioners (other than primary care physicians).
Their scope of work generally includes:
- Employing various hands-on techniques on the body to address muscle pain, tension, and other issues
- Providing relaxation through various massage techniques
- Providing therapeutic intervention for chronic pain, injuries, and related conditions
Recreational Therapist
- National Average: $56,310 per year or $27.07 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Physicians Offices
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Licensing Requirements: Most employees prefer professionals with certification
- Projected Growth Rate: 4% (2022-2032)
Recreational therapists are healthcare specialists who implement and coordinate recreation-based activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games and music, as part of treatment programs for their patients. They can work in various healthcare and non-clinical settings, such as government parks and recreation departments.
Their scope of work generally includes:
- Assessing the patient’s social, physical, and emotional needs to determine the appropriate recreational interventions
- Planning and implementing individualized treatment programs to address specific therapeutic goals
- Modify activities as necessary based on the limitations and abilities of patients
Substance Abuse Counselor
- National Average: $56,230 per year or $27.03 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Religious Organizations
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree
- Licensing Requirements: License is mandatory for counselors in private practice
- Projected Growth Rate: 18% (2022-2023) (categorized together with mental health counselors)
Substance abuse counselors, also referred to as behavioral disorder counselors or addiction counselors specialize in advising individuals or groups on issues involving addictions, alcoholism, and depression, among other related matters. They provide support to help prevent and recover from addiction, improve mental health, and modify undesirable behaviors.
Mental Health Counselor
- National Average: $56,230 per year or $27.03 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Religious Organizations
- Minimum Education: Master’s degree
- Licensing Requirements: All states require professionals to be licensed
- Projected Growth Rate: 18% (2022-2023) (categorized together with substance abuse counselors)
Mental health counselors advise and treat clients with psychological conditions like stress, grief, depression, and anxiety. They generally provide support and assistance with their client’s emotional health and relationship challenges.
Exercise Physiologist
- National Average: $55,820 per year or $26.84 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Federal Executive Branch
- Minimum Education: Bachelor’s in Exercise Science or related field
- Licensing Requirements: Vary among states
- Projected Growth Rate: 10% (2022-2032)
Exercise physiologists are healthcare professionals who employ fitness and physical activity programs to improve the patient’s overall well-being. They’re typically employed in healthcare establishments including general hospitals, as well as clinics of physicians and health practitioners.
Their responsibilities include:
- Assessing patients’ limitations and abilities to determine the best physical activity regimen
- Monitoring of patients’ exercise progress and making adjustments as necessary
- Assisting in the rehabilitation of patients suffering from chronic conditions or those recovering from injuries
- Working with fitness enthusiasts and athletes to devise optimized training programs
Adventure Therapist
- National Average: $54,138 per year or $26 per hour
- Minimum Education: Bachelor in recreational therapy or related field
- Licensing Requirements: Certification available through the Wilderness Education Association (WEA) or Association for Experiential Education (AEE)
- Projected Growth Rate: 4% (2018-2028)
Adventure therapists are mental health professionals who leverage natural settings to provide therapeutic adventure experiences that will engage their clients on behavioral, cognitive, physical, and emotional levels. The locations for this type of therapy include a remote wilderness, a long-term residential camping or a treatment facility with infrastructures for various outdoor activities.
According to Zippia, North Dakota is the “Best State” to be employed as an adventure therapist.
Music Therapist
- National Average: $53,372 per year or $26 per hour
- Minimum Education: Bachelor in Music Therapy or related field
- Licensing Requirements: Some states require a license and MT-BC (Music Therapist – Board Certified) credential
- Projected Growth Rate: 4% (2022-2032), applicable to all recreational therapist jobs
Music therapists are allied health professionals who utilize music in therapeutic programs in order to address the social, cognitive, physical, and psychological needs of their clients.
Aside from the traditional clinical settings, music therapists are now employed in other areas of healthcare services, such as oncology treatment centers, hospice care, and pain management clinics. They can also work in special educational settings either as consultants to special education teachers or music educators or as direct service providers to students with disabilities.
Horticultural Therapist
- National Average: $48,741 per year or $23.43 per hour
- Minimum Education: Bachelor in Horticultural Therapy or any undergraduate program with relevant training
- Licensing Requirements: Professional credential is available through the American Horticultural Therapy Association (AHTA)
- Projected Growth Rate: 17% (2018-2028)
Horticultural therapists are specialists in the combined fields of plant science, horticultural therapy, and human science. They help their clients enhance their overall well-being by engaging in plant-related activities to achieve therapeutic objectives in rehabilitation, treatment, or vocational plans.
According to AHTA, a horticultural therapist must have completed 480 hours of horticultural therapy internship in addition to acquiring the minimum educational requirement of a Bachelor-level horticultural therapy degree or any Bachelor’s degree with relevant coursework.
According to The Career Expert Zipia, Washington is the “Best State” to be employed as a horticultural therapist.
Dance/Movement Therapist
- National Average: $47,904 per year or $23 per hour
- Minimum Education: Master’s degree approved by the American Dance Therapy Association
- Licensing Requirements: The Registered Dance/Movement Therapist (R-DMT) credential is available
- Projected Growth Rate: 4% (2022-2032), applicable to all recreational therapist jobs
Dance/movement therapists utilize choreography activities and movement exercises for psychotherapeutic use to provide a holistic approach to the improvement of their clients’ cognitive, emotional, physical, and social health and well-being.
They are employed in a variety of industries in both clinical and non-clinical settings. Some also work as freelancers in local communities or set up their private practices.
Art Therapist
- National Average: $47,620 per year or $23 per hour
- Minimum Education: Master in Art Therapy, Counseling, or a related field
- Licensing Requirements: Professional art therapy licenses are required in some states
- Projected Growth Rate: 4% (2022-2032), applicable to all recreational therapist jobs
Art therapists are clinicians specializing in the integration of the creative process, visual arts, and the field of human development with psychotherapy and counseling. Art therapy is not just implemented for children but also for adult individuals and groups who need intervention or treatment for mental illness, emotional problems, social difficulties, personal traumas, and other related conditions.
Rehabilitation Counselor
- National Average: $46,020 per year or $22.13 per hour
- Top Paying Industry: Brokerages, agencies, and other insurance-related entities other than direct insurance carriers
- Minimum Education: Masters
- Licensing Requirements: Differ by state
- Projected Growth Rate: 2% (2022-2032)
Rehabilitation counselors are professionals who assist their clients to lead independent lives and overcome hindrances to daily living and employment. Their clients are individuals with physical, emotional, mental, or developmental disabilities.
The roles and responsibilities of rehabilitation counselors generally include:
- Assessing client’s abilities and providing counseling and support
- Assisting clients to gain the skills and resources required to achieve personal and vocational goals
Animal-Assisted Therapist
National Average: $36,027 per year or $17 per hour
Minimum Education: A master’s degree is required to practice psychotherapy
Licensing Requirements: Some states may require Animal-Assisted Therapy certification from a program accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training or the American Association for Veterinary State Boards
Animal-assisted therapists are part of the growing recreational therapy field. They employ specially trained therapy animals to help patients and clients for several reasons, including alleviation of pain, depression, anxiety, and related conditions. This type of therapy is also used for improving coping skills and in dealing with difficult periods in patients’ lives.
Animal-assisted therapy isn’t just limited to the use of horses and dogs, as many other animals can also serve as therapy animals, including guinea pigs, cats, birds, and many others.
The roles and responsibilities of animal-assisted therapists include:
- Training and caring for their therapy animal
- Facilitating between the therapy animals and patients
- Traveling to the hospital or wherever the patients are located to conduct therapy sessions with the animals
- Setting up therapy appointments
- Collaborating patients’ care plans and progress with other healthcare team members for a coordinated treatment approach
A career in therapy is a truly rewarding experience for individuals who are passionate about helping others. As a therapist, you have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of your clients every day.
Whether you are helping them work through personal challenges, conquer mental health issues, or improve their relationships, therapy allows you to guide individuals toward healing and growth. The feeling of witnessing your clients overcome obstacles and achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling and can bring a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose to your work.
Additionally, therapy also allows for constant learning and personal development as you continuously adapt to different clients’ needs and challenges. The satisfaction of helping others on their journey toward mental and emotional well-being is what makes a career in therapy truly rewarding.
