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How to Get a Job as a Music Therapist

A woman wearing headphones sits in a pleasant cafe listening to music with her eyes closed contentedly


Music Therapists use the power of music to help individuals improve their mental, emotional, cognitive, and physical health. They work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, mental health centers, and private practice settings. Through singing, playing instruments, songwriting, and listening, Music Therapists promote healing, self-expression, and personal growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), music therapy falls under the broader category of therapists, all other, which is projected to grow 7% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average, with approximately 6,600 job openings each year【source: BLS】.


Entry-Level Requirements for Music Therapists

To become a Music Therapist, you typically need:

Education: A bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an American Music Therapy Association (AMTA)-approved program. Coursework covers music, psychology, anatomy, and clinical techniques. Many professionals later pursue a master’s degree in music therapy or a related field.

Certifications & Licenses: To practice, you must earn the Music Therapist–Board Certified (MT-BC) credential from the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). State licensure is also required in some areas. Learn more at CBMT.org and AMTA.org.

Experience: Students complete at least 1,200 hours of clinical training, including internships supervised by certified professionals.


Expected Salary for Music Therapists

  • Entry-Level: $45,000–$55,000 annually

  • Mid-Level: $55,000–$70,000 annually

  • Senior-Level: $70,000–$90,000+ annually

According to the BLS and AMTA Workforce Analysis (2023), the median annual wage for music therapists in the U.S. is about $61,000, depending on setting and experience【sources: BLS, AMTA】.


Skills and Abilities Needed to Excel

  • Strong musical proficiency (vocal and instrumental)

  • Empathy and emotional intelligence

  • Communication and listening skills

  • Understanding of psychology and counseling methods

  • Creativity and adaptability

  • Ability to connect emotionally with clients


Is This Role Better for Introverts or Extroverts?

This career is generally a better fit for extroverts. Music Therapists often work closely with clients in dynamic, interactive sessions that require enthusiasm, communication, and emotional engagement. Extroverts tend to thrive in environments that involve performance, collaboration, and interpersonal connection.


Top 5 Degree Programs with Best ROI for Music Therapy

  1. Berklee College of Music – B.M. in Music Therapy

  2. Florida State University College of Music – B.M. and M.M. in Music Therapy

  3. University of Miami Frost School of Music – B.M. and M.M. in Music Therapy

  4. Temple University Boyer College of Music and Dance – B.M. and M.M. in Music Therapy

  5. New York University Steinhardt – B.M. and M.A. in Music Therapy


Can You Become a Music Therapist Without a Degree?

No. To practice as a licensed or board-certified music therapist, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in music therapy from an AMTA-approved program and obtain MT-BC certification. However, musicians without a degree can work in related fields such as community music instruction or recreational therapy.


Five Jobs Similar to Music Therapist

  • Art Therapist

  • Recreational Therapist

  • Occupational Therapist

  • Speech-Language Pathologist

  • Clinical Mental Health Counselor


Top Ten Recruitment Agencies for Music Therapists


Top Ten Employers Hiring Music Therapists


Top Startups and Organizations Hiring Music Therapists


Music Therapists bring healing through rhythm, melody, and emotional connection. The field combines clinical psychology and musical creativity to support holistic well-being. It’s a deeply rewarding profession best suited for extroverts who enjoy connecting with others through performance, collaboration, and expressive communication.

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