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Job outlook for counselor/art therapists in the United States
Counselor/art therapist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected counselor/art therapist job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 600 new jobs for counselor/art therapists are projected over the next decade.
Counselor/art therapist salaries have increased 3% for counselor/art therapists in the last 5 years.
There are over 96,715 counselor/art therapists currently employed in the United States.
There are 80,647 active counselor/art therapist job openings in the US.
The average counselor/art therapist salary is $79,417.
Are counselor/art therapist jobs in demand?
Counselor/art therapist job and salary trends over time
Counselor/art therapist jobs over time
Counselor/art therapist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 96,715 | 0.03% |
| 2020 | 95,168 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 100,096 | 0.03% |
| 2018 | 98,020 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 96,423 | 0.03% |
Average counselor/art therapist salary over time
Counselor/art therapist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $79,417 | $38.18 | --1.1% |
| 2025 | $80,266 | $38.59 | +0.8% |
| 2024 | $79,667 | $38.30 | +0.4% |
| 2023 | $79,367 | $38.16 | +2.7% |
| 2022 | $77,253 | $37.14 | +1.1% |
Counselor/art therapist jobs by state
Most common states for counselor/art therapists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 219 | 32% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 206 | 27% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 236 | 25% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,224 | 22% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 423 | 22% |
| 6 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 298 | 22% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 233 | 22% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,428 | 19% |
| 9 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 582 | 19% |
| 10 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,873 | 18% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,528 | 18% |
| 12 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,104 | 18% |
| 13 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,048 | 18% |
| 14 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,652 | 17% |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,238 | 17% |
| 16 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 1,140 | 17% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 708 | 17% |
| 18 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 486 | 17% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,427 | 16% |
| 20 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 973 | 16% |
Most common cities for counselor/art therapists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | McMinnville | 2 | 6% | $93,074 |
| 2 | Urbana | 2 | 5% | $75,631 |
| 3 | Belleville | 1 | 2% | $72,824 |
| 4 | Lenexa | 1 | 2% | $70,418 |
| 5 | Hollywood | 1 | 1% | $79,772 |
| 6 | Lawrence | 1 | 1% | $70,169 |
| 7 | Tempe | 1 | 1% | $72,170 |
| 8 | Topeka | 1 | 1% | $70,017 |
| 9 | New York | 1 | 0% | $89,814 |
Counselor/Art Therapist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of counselor/art therapist experts
Western Illinois University
Loyola University New Orleans
SUNY College at Oswego
Ohio State University
San Diego State University
University of Alabama in Huntsville
University of Dallas
Springfield College
Elon University
Malone University
Nicholls State University
California State University San Marcos
Jacksonville University
Montclair State University
Pacific Lutheran University
Dr. Tiffany Bainter PhD LCPC NCC
Associate ProfessorWestern Illinois University
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What general advice would you give to a Counselor/Art Therapist?
Dr. Tiffany Bainter PhD LCPC NCC: Starting a career in counseling is a fulfilling journey but comes with its own set of challenges. My advice to graduates stepping into this field would be to prioritize self-care. It's crucial to maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life, especially when dealing with emotionally taxing situations. Seek supervision and mentorship regularly; having guidance from experienced professionals can provide invaluable insights and support as you navigate your counseling career. Additionally, stay open to continuous learning. The field of counseling is dynamic, with new research and techniques emerging constantly. Pursue opportunities for further education, attend workshops, and stay updated with the latest developments in the field. Cultivate empathy and cultural competence to better understand and connect with clients from diverse backgrounds. Building strong therapeutic relationships based on trust and empathy is at the core of effective counseling practice. Lastly, remember to advocate for mental health awareness and the importance of access to quality mental health services. Being a counselor goes beyond individual sessions; it involves being an advocate for your clients' well-being within the larger societal context.
Kevin Foose
Professor of PracticeLoyola University New Orleans
Rehabilitation And Therapeutic Professions
What Counselor/Art Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kevin Foose: As our graduates enter the field of counseling and psychotherapy, the guidance that I provide is generally threefold. First I suggest that they develop a niche practice which they are passionate about. I encourage them to specialize rather than 'generalize' their practice. Towards that end I advise that they find a clinical supervisor and mentor with whom they share a theoretical and philosophical foundation. I encourage them to surround themselves with talented, experienced and inspiring professionals. And to follow their curiosity and cultivate the capacity to become highly competent clinically and theoretically with a specific population and modality of treatment (such as working with couples & relationships, adolescence, social justice & advocacy, play therapy etc).
What Counselor/Art Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jodi Mullen PhD LMHC RPT-S: The bulk of the work a mental health counselor does is clinical, meaning you meet with clients and provide counseling. There is also record keeping, preparation, and administrative responsibilities. New and seasoned counselors alike spend some time in supervision and consultation with other counselors. Supervision is a time to discuss cases with a more experienced professional where there are opportunities for growth professionally and personally. Consultation involves either meeting with others connected to your clients, like parents of children clients, or with professionals in mental health and other fields that can help the counselor sort out a challenge. In that case it may be an attorney or a trauma specialist.
What will help Counselor/Art Therapists increase their earning potential?
Jodi Mullen PhD LMHC RPT-S: There are so many opportunities for mental health counselors entering the field. The need for our services is at an all time high. Recently, there has been a great deal of focus on self-care for professional counselors to ward off compassion fatigue. There is much more being offered for counselor self-care than when I entered the field three decades ago.
What will help Counselor/Art Therapists increase their earning potential?
Donna Sheperis PhD, LPC, NCC, CCMHC, ACS, BC-TMH: When I talk to my former students as well as my friends and colleagues in the profession, they all tell me how richly rewarded they are providing a service to people who struggle with aspects of mental health. Being part of someone’s treatment, watching them find their way through trauma that has been burdening them, helping people leave behind a pass that no longer serves them, helping them find a way through genetically predisposed illness, or to overcome thoughts of death or suicide… These are all remarkable journeys to embark on with clients. To have the privilege to be part of healing when people are in crisis and pain and at their most vulnerable is really an awesome honor. Those experiences keep us hopeful and.buoyed throughout our career. When working in such an interpersonally intense profession, carrying that weight can be challenging itself. Some of the more routine tasks of the work that we do can also be burdening. As mental health counselors, we find ourselves making sure that we seek to do our own work in order to be able to do this work for others.
What Counselor/Art Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Catherine Lounsbury Ed.D., LCPC: Hello Alex, Attached please find my answers to your questions. Please let me know if anything else would be helpful. Thank you, Cathy
What Counselor/Art Therapist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Samantha Bates PhD, LISW-S: One of the best things about being a mental health practitioner is supporting someone during a time of immense need. The human spirit is beautiful to witness, and the role of a mental health provider is to use the vulnerability and time spent together to empower someone to see their strengths, utilize new skills, and decide what the future holds for them. I think the best day of my professional career was when a young woman told me that had I not been in her life at the time she might not be here today. Knowing you were a support for someone, and the time you spent together made an impact, is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. One thing that is challenging in the mental health profession is the lack of coordinated services and supports. Access and equity continue to challenge the profession and are issues we must address to tackle the mental health crisis.
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP
Clinical Associate ProfessorWhat will help Counselor/Art Therapists increase their earning potential?
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: Graduates in counseling psychology have a great number of different skills, and they shouldn't limit themselves to traditional clinical practice settings only. The doctoral degree in counseling psychology--and the license as a psychologist--allows these professionals to practice in many different areas. The most obvious ones, such as private practice clinical work, doing clinical work in clinics and hospitals, or going into academia as researchers and faculty, are a great fit for many graduates. However, all the skills gained in a doctoral program in counseling psychology transfer seamlessly to many other areas and industries, as understanding human behaviors, emotional development, and wellness are applicable widely.
What will help Counselor/Art Therapists increase their earning potential?
Emily Yowell Ph.D.: Psychologists should be aware of what others in their field are making for similar positions. It is important to ask for what your work is worth in an initial position to assure raises are based on a solid starting salary. Newer psychologists may also consider asking for an early review that prompts an early conversation around potential raises, bonus, or other job benefits.
What will help Counselor/Art Therapists increase their earning potential?
Madeline Stenersen: I think one of the biggest pieces of advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career in the field of counseling psychology is to explore and think broadly about all of the possibilities that this degree can bring. With a PhD in this field you can be a full time clinician, a teacher at a university, a director of a clinical center, a full time researcher, or any of the combination of the above! Because all of these opportunities can be exciting and scary at the same time I would recommend that they look to the people in the field that are doing the things that they would love to do and reach out! Don't be afraid to apply for jobs that may seem out of reach. Sometimes Counseling Psychology is compared to Clinical Psychology and students are told that Clinical Psychology positions are out of reach. This is simply not true. I have worked alongside Clinical Psychologists and other wonderful mental health providers throughout my career and currently am a faculty member in a Clinical Psychology program. The sky's the limit and it really is an opportune time for this degree as the field of psychology broadly recognizes the increasing need to focus on cultural humility, DEI, and cross-cultural work - practices that Counseling Psychology has focused on throughout the history of the field.
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorSan Diego State University
School of Social Work
What skills stand out on Counselor/Art Therapist resumes?
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.: Formal training and/or experience using one or more evidence-based Interventions.
What soft skills should all Counselor/Art Therapists possess?
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.: Clinicians need to be flexible, express empathy and warmth to their clients, have good communication skills, be self-aware, apply a social justice lens to their work with clients, and practice from a place of cultural humility.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Counselor/Art Therapists?
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.: Clinicians need to have keen safety and clinical assessment skills. After COVID, we also learned that it's important for clinicians to navigate and adapt to providing services both in person and through telemental health.
What skills will help Counselor/Art Therapists earn the most?
Dianne Ciro Ph.D.: All of the skills outlined above are important for clinicians to be effective in their jobs and earn a good wage.
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Human FactorsUniversity of Alabama in Huntsville
Psychology Department
What skills stand out on Counselor/Art Therapist resumes?
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.: Strong analytical skills are a must. This includes both logic and reasoning skills, but also data analysis skills. For many jobs, the ability to collect and scientifically evaluate data will be vital, if not an absolute necessity. Similarly, a strong understanding of experimental methods can put a candidate in a great position to be able to help a company evaluate existing programs and chart a path forward for new ones. Finally, I would say that a strong ability to write is critical. Those graduates who are able to effectively and persuasively communicate in writing are setting themselves up for success at any company and allowing the company to leverage them for increasingly important tasks.
What soft skills should all Counselor/Art Therapists possess?
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.: Students need to be able to read individual and group dynamics in order to act appropriately in any given situation. This includes not only the interactions with one's bosses but also peers and subordinates. Similarly, being comfortable with networking can help any company, but networking skills shine through in interviews.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Counselor/Art Therapists?
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.: Technical skills like the ability to perform statistical analyses are critically important for most Psychology-related jobs. This allows a candidate to collect and analyze data but also to interpret and understand other existing data. A strong statistical background can also help set a candidate apart from their peers in the application process. This includes understanding when and how to use various parametric and nonparametric statistics to be able to answer questions regardless of the data one is working with.
What skills will help Counselor/Art Therapists earn the most?
Dr. Nathan Tenhundfeld Ph.D.: An understanding of a programming language, like Python or Javascript, can be a huge advantage in the job market. It will allow candidates to handle not only large datasets but also do rapid prototyping (in cases of UX work, for example) or even simply design a way in which to collect data for a customer. A student who knows how to code and who can apply those skills in their chosen career field is likely to differentiate themself over the competition.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Counselor/Art Therapists?
Kelly O'Briant: Exhibitions, internships, and the capability of showing work professionally in an online format stand in for certifications/licenses. Workshops at schools like Penland School of Craft and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts offer an intense learning experience that can allow a recent graduate to build on skills and techniques. Many art students have a desire/need to teach, so any pedagogical experience gained could significantly impact success. Taking advantage of the plethora of online demonstrations and artist talks is crucial.
Concerning earning potential, it comes down to two things. Relevant experience in the most current trends in a given medium is of the utmost importance. Paired with teaching experience, this is the primary way to increase earning potential. Should they pursue a path as a professional studio artist, understanding the business principles of marketing and communication pairs very well with an arts degree. Understanding those disciplines helps artists get their work out in the world in a format ripe for purchase.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Counselor/Art Therapists?
Elizabeth Morgan Ph.D.: There seems to be the potential for a number of cross-cutting impacts on graduates from a variety of disciplines related to the coronavirus pandemic, including interruptions in their academic pursuits (e.g., taking more time to finish due to lack of internships, ability to complete coursework due to family obligations or health issues, or a lack of finances to pay for their education).
Once graduated, it is likely that they are encountering a shrinking marketplace for hiring, with companies enacting freezes due to economic uncertainty. Furthermore, more young adults are turning to live with parents, which might make it harder to find a job since they are tied to a residence (or because they may not need to work if parents are subsidizing them).
Related to Psychology in particular, graduates may find an increased need for mental health workers due to lasting effects from workplace instability, social isolation, and health fears. There will likely be enduring changes in the way human services are provided, including increased telehealth practices or services provided via webinars versus in-person programming that might require additional training or acquiring a new skill set on the job.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Counselor/Art Therapists to find work opportunities?
Elizabeth Morgan Ph.D.: One potential outcome of the pandemic is that place may matter less as jobs are created and sustained with remote work environments. For example, it might be possible to participate in education endeavors, community mental health, human services in general, or consulting remotely, which render geography less important.
In addition, there will likely be changes in the types of jobs available to graduates in Psychology as employers are rethinking employee productivity in the wake of the coronavirus and need human resources specialists or industrial/organizational psychologists to consult on organizational change. Individuals with training and experience in delivering services remotely may find themselves able to secure some of these new positions; recent graduates will have a leg up in that regard, since they experienced training in a remote environment.
How do you envision technology impacting Counselor/Art Therapists in the next 5 years?
Elizabeth Morgan Ph.D.: The forced use of technology to connect with others during the pandemic will likely encourage lasting change in education, counseling and human services, business and marketing endeavors, research, and other areas where graduates in psychology end up. This will create shifts in what the jobs look like, what training is needed, and even perhaps, the mental health and well-being of workers in general. As these technological changes are introduced, new graduates will need to learn and embrace them to keep up with the trends, as well as evaluate their effectiveness.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Counselor/Art Therapists?
Wen Guo: Definitely. The pandemic might lead to much loss for graduates in many ways. Some professions will not recover well during a short time, and some will. The arts sector was especially hit hard, but it has been a great example of being resilient, creative, hopeful, and collegiate during the pandemic. With an evolved understanding of human relationships during the pandemic, the arts sector will thrive and transform greatly, which demands new energy and skillsets from the newly minted graduates. I believe the enduring impact on graduates is mostly positive if they keep working on what they are passionate about and being hopeful with the world. Instead of feeling bad about the situation, the graduates should do a little bit of reflection on the following aspects:
-What does the pandemic help me know better about my perception or values of professional success?
-Does the pandemic make me more emotionally and intellectually resilient? What is the evidence?
-Do I develop a better sense of understanding macro trends and sudden changes? Do I better understand how such macro trends and sudden changes transform the industry or profession I am interested in?
-Does the pandemic change your way of making decisions, and how?
-How should I carry what you learn during the pandemic forward to my professional life?
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Counselor/Art Therapists?
Wen Guo: I believe teaching, marketing, and basic accounting literacy are essential skills for arts graduates. Google, LinkedIn, Hootsuite, Intuit, and other websites offer free and charged certification programs for students at various levels. Going to arts management graduate programs or other business programs can also be a great option if they do not face a heavy financial burden. You may also consider DEI training or certification programs and think about you integrate your DEI training experience in your arts career or arts education practices. Each arts discipline has its own specific certification programs and it is always good to try to pursue those that fit your artistic vision for yourself or your arts organization.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Counselor/Art Therapists?
Malia Miller: There is potential for an increase in openings given the challenges regarding mental health that have developed due to the pandemic. If the bill passes at the federal level, it is my understanding that there are funds designated to be used by school districts to make sure all schools are open for in-person learning. These additional funds may be used to subsidize the hiring of more school counselors to address these issues if states choose to do so. Right now, the challenge we are facing as a university that trains school counselors is the fact that interns are struggling to acquire internship supervisors since the work of all school personnel has been difficult for the past year. Understandably, school counselors do not wish to assume more responsibility as working with students remotely, on hybrid schedules, etc. is time-consuming. I don't think there will be an "enduring" impact on our profession as a result of the pandemic, but we have learned how to connect with students more efficiently in a virtual mode.
Dr. Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson
Assistant Professor & Coordinator of School Counseling ProgramNicholls State University
Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Studies
What technical skills for a Counselor/Art Therapist stand out to employers?
Dr. Chantrelle Varnado-Johnson: In addition, recent graduates will need to be familiarized with using telehealth platforms due to more remote learning needs. Plus, recent graduates will need to familiarize themselves with their basic facilitative skills to establish rapport quickly to have brief sessions. Also, I would recommend students receive competency-based credentials and become licensed in at least one additional state. Lastly, I would recommend students familiarize themselves with crisis intervention and trauma counseling.
In sum, graduates have to be aware of how their roles may shift due to job displacement, furloughs, and restructuring. Due to new challenges presented in the COVID-19 pandemic, graduates have to be prepared to address the possibility of being faced with high caseloads, secondary traumatization, role conflict/ambiguity, and tension in the workplace. As a precautionary measure, neophytes should adopt a holistic self-care regimen and professional network to ameliorate the mental health condition.
Madeline Lee Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCalifornia State University San Marcos
Department of Social Work
What's a good job out of college for Counselor/Art Therapists?
Madeline Lee Ph.D.: We do not have a bachelors program in social work at CSUSM; we only have a Master of Social Work (MSW) program, so a good job out of our program may be different from one straight out of college with an undergraduate degree. I think that a good first job out of an MSW program is one that would provide the new graduate with great supervision and rich experiences for continued learning within a healthy organization where this is a strong sense of shared mission. All of this would need to be a good fit with the graduate's skills, passions, and values.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is projected to grow 13% from 2019-2029, much faster than 3.7% average for all occupations (this could increase in light of the pandemic). One of the benefits of an MSW is the versatility of the degree; it equips graduates for a range of careers, from being a clinician to a community organizer in a variety of settings, including private non-profits, hospitals, schools, and public agencies. Our graduates' first job may be a part of the sound foundation that supports their long-term social work career.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Counselor/Art Therapists?
William Hill: Graduates will face new challenges that have already been trending in the discipline toward a more remote workplace and content delivery. But at the same time promoting a more collaborative production pipeline that foster graduates to be either more versatile in their skill set or more specialized. Additionally, the growth of the gig market and increase in content delivery options through streaming there will be increases in entrepreneur opportunities.
What's a good job out of college for Counselor/Art Therapists?
William Hill: The best entry-level job for recent graduates have always been ones that provide them the ability to leverage their specific skills and education while at the same time provide a challenge and growth window for forward advancement. Streaming Media, both content development and design is a growing sector across all industries. Most importantly is for graduates should continue to challenge their creative development where it is part of their vocation or not. Being engaged in creative projects that push their skill set will keep them engaged and controlling their future.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Counselor/Art Therapists?
Dr. Michael Hannon Ph.D.: I definitely think there will be an enduring impact of the pandemic on graduates. Among the most immediate effects include how graduates - like all of us - have had to reconcile our experiences with it. We've all been touched by COVID-19 by having suffered from it directly or because people in our families and communities have been affected. It has been nothing short of traumatic. What the pandemic has required our newest graduates to do is harness a level of creativity, patience, empathy, and responsiveness that may not have occurred otherwise. New graduates have had practice - through their fieldwork experiences - helping their students and other members of the school community providing school counseling services virtually. They have done this by delivering classroom lessons, providing short-term individual and group counseling, responding to student and family crises while being sensible and flexible enough to know they have less environmental control than they've ever had in the past.
Another enduring impact of the virus for school counseling graduates is how crystal clear the pandemic has wreaked havoc on communities differently. All counselors - school counselors included - are consistently challenged to identify, articulate, and take action to disrupt inequities for students and their families. New graduates have an opportunity to advocate for justice as we all bear witness to how families and students are underserved, which many times is predictable by socioeconomic status, native language, race, and ethnicity. For new graduates serving students in disinvested communities, they will have a unique set of challenges to confront and will have to decide how much they will help create policies and organizational routines that help reduce disparities in levels of care and educational opportunities.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Counselor/Art Therapists?
Michelle Ceynar Ph.D.: How could there not? The pandemic will likely result in lasting changes to all facets of our lives. I think the pandemic will likely change the way that employers function and their expectations for employees. This might have some positive effects in that we know that people can be productive working remotely so more people may have access to that flexibility. On the other hand, we've learned that people really do need to have some in-person connection with others. Young graduates who are starting their careers will have the opportunity to reshape their working environment in meaningful ways, bringing the best of both worlds together.