Mental Health Counselor Salary in the United States
Based on 487K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$59,385
$28.55/hr
Salary Range
$41K – $92K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
487K
workers nationwide
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in the United States is $59,385 per year, which translates to approximately $29 per hour. This figure reflects the current compensation landscape for professionals dedicated to supporting individuals' emotional and psychological well-being across the nation.
Several factors influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in the United States. These include years of experience, the specific type of facility or practice where one is employed, geographical location, and the level of education or specialized certifications held by the counselor. Additionally, demand in a particular region can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,692 |
| 25th percentile | $47,208 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,385 |
| 75th percentile | $74,874 |
| 90th percentile | $92,415 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Mental Health Counselor
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $80,770 | +36.0% | 1K |
| 2 | Oregon | $74,590 | +25.6% | 8K |
| 3 | New Mexico | $74,100 | +24.8% | 2K |
| 4 | Washington | $68,910 | +16.0% | 14K |
| 5 | North Dakota | $68,630 | +15.6% | 1K |
| 6 | Arizona | $65,300 | +10.0% | 10K |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $65,120 | +9.7% | 2K |
| 8 | Utah | $63,890 | +7.6% | 6K |
| 9 | Nebraska | $63,770 | +7.4% | 2K |
| 10 | Connecticut | $63,590 | +7.1% | 8K |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Industry
How much Mental Health Counselors earn across industries nationwide — Finance and Insurance pays the most ($80,880 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance and Insurance | $80,880 | +36.2% | 1K |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $66,530 | +12.0% | 35K |
| 3 | Educational Services | $62,070 | +4.5% | 35K |
| 4 | Administrative and Support Services | $60,480 | +1.8% | 5K |
| 5 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $60,460 | +1.8% | 3K |
| 6 | Health Care and Social Assistance | $58,580 | -1.4% | 405K |
| 7 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $56,170 | -5.4% | 4K |
| 8 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $54,990 | -7.4% | 3K |
| 9 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $53,640 | -9.7% | 100 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Historical Salary Trend — Mental Health Counselor
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,167 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,208 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,385 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $74,874 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $92,415 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in the US?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in the United States is $59,385 per year. This means that half of all Mental Health Counselors earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for Mental Health Counselors?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in the US typically falls between $40,692 and $92,415 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and specialization within the field.
Which state pays Mental Health Counselors the most?
- Alaska offers the highest compensation for Mental Health Counselors, with an average salary of $80,770 per year. This suggests that demand or cost of living may contribute to higher pay in this state.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 487,020 Mental Health Counselors employed across the United States. This indicates a significant number of professionals working in this vital field.