Music Therapists Salary in California
Music Therapists in California earn a median of $81,760 a year, +5% compared with the U.S. median. Figures are for the broader BLS group “Therapists, All Other”.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $81,760
- vs. U.S. median
- +5% ($77,930)
- Rank among states
- 11 of 41
- Jobs in the state
- 840
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $59,880; the top 10% earn over $166,300. Nationally the range is $46,540 to $152,530.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Art Therapists$81,760 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Marriage and Family Therapists$67,300 median in California
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$116,000 median in California
- Recreational Therapists$98,170 median in California
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool$59,550 median in California
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$79,000 median in California
Music Therapists pay in California
How much do music therapists make in California?
The median is $81,760 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $59,880 and the top 10% earn over $166,300. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for music therapists?
On pay alone it ranks 11 of 41 (+5% vs. the national median of $77,930). Living costs are not included.