Music Therapist
Use music to support therapeutic outcomes - dementia care, learning disabilities, mental health and more.
This UK music therapist career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £30,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £37,000 - £45,000
- Senior salary
- £48,000 - £60,000
- Work environment
- NHS, schools, care homes, private
- Time to entry
- 4 - 6 years (MA + HCPC)
- Degree required
- Regulated - HCPC registration required
- Category
- Mental Health and Therapy
What a Music Therapist does
Use music to support therapeutic outcomes - dementia care, learning disabilities, mental health and more.
How to become a Music Therapist
- Look up Music Therapist roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Music Therapist - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- Musical fluency
- Improvisation
- Clinical assessment
- Team working