Hypnotherapy: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Hypnotherapy is a specialized field focused on the therapeutic application of controlled trance states to support psychological healing, pain management, and behavioral change. This program equips learners with the scientific and clinical foundations necessary to guide individuals into altered states of consciousness for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Key modules and areas of study include:
- Principles of hypnosis and suggestion: Core theories and mechanisms behind hypnotic influence, including how suggestion affects perception, cognition, and behavior.
- Induction and deepening techniques: Methods for guiding clients into a hypnotic state and enhancing the depth of trance for therapeutic effect.
- Post-hypnotic suggestion: Strategies for embedding suggestions that influence behavior or thought patterns after the session concludes.
- Awakening techniques: Safe and effective protocols for returning clients from a hypnotic state to full awareness.
- Regression therapy: Approaches to explore past experiences within a hypnotic state to address underlying emotional or psychological roots of current issues.
- Pacing and leading: Behavioral and linguistic techniques used to build rapport and guide a client’s mental state during hypnosis.
- Resistance transformation: Methods for identifying and reframing client resistance to suggestibility to facilitate deeper therapeutic engagement.
- Client testing and management: Assessment tools and strategies to evaluate hypnotic responsiveness and tailor interventions to individual needs.
- Practice management and regulation: Legal, administrative, and operational frameworks for running a compliant and ethical hypnotherapy practice.
- Professional standards and ethics: Core ethical guidelines, confidentiality protocols, and boundaries essential for responsible practice in clinical and therapeutic settings.
Hypnotherapy Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Hypnotherapy Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Hypnotherapy degrees, including Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 229,720 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1071 | $105,620 | $51,760 - $239,200 | 229,720 | N/A |
Hypnotherapy Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $48,090 in Hawaii to $178,830 in Arkansas—a 272% difference. The highest-paying states include Arkansas, District of Columbia, and Utah. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 229,720 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Hypnotherapy by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 2 institutions offering Hypnotherapy programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Hypnotherapy is found at Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) (395 graduates), and Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) (4 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 399 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
395 | Tarzana, California | Private | hypnosis.edu |
| Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) |
Other Award
|
4 | Tempe, Arizona | Private | swiha.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Hypnotherapy programs
How much can I earn with a Hypnotherapy degree?
Salaries for Hypnotherapy graduates vary by role and location. Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary earn a median of $105,620 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Arkansas average $178,830 compared to $48,090 in Hawaii. Approximately 229,720 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Hypnotherapy programs?
Currently 2 accredited institutions offer Hypnotherapy degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI) (395 graduates), Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) (4 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Hypnotherapy growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 162 in 2010 to 399 in 2023-24. This represents a 146% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Hypnotherapy degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 229,720 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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