Also known as: Animal Assisted Therapist, Animal Therapist, Aromatherapist, Auriculotherapist
You arrive at your private practice office in downtown Raleigh, the city still waking up. The waiting room is quiet as you turn on the lights, brew coffee, and settle into your own office. You open SimplePractice, your electronic health record system, to review your first client's file. Today's schedule includes individual sessions, a couples session, and later, a group meeting. You mentally prepare for the day's conversations, noting a specific CBT worksheet you plan to introduce.
O*NET flags this career as a Bright Outlook occupation: grows rapidly over the next decade.
+12.6%
US average: +3.5%
3,600
per year (US)
56,100
in 2025 → 63,200 (2035)
Bachelor's degree
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.
The job outlook for therapists is strong, with rapid growth projected through 2035. Around 3,600 new job openings are expected each year, and the median annual wage is about $77,930. You can advance your career by gaining experience, specializing in a particular area of therapy, or moving into leadership roles like Therapy Services Director.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$77,930
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions, General
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years
Mental Health Counseling/Counselor
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years
Psychology
University • Social Sciences • 4 years
Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years
Therapeutic Recreation/Recreational Therapy
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years
Trauma Counseling
Bachelor • Healthcare & Life Sciences • 4 years