Mental Health Counselor Salary in Alaska
Based on 1K+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$80,770
$38.83/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+36.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$58K – $115K
1K employed in Alaska
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Alaska is $80,770 per year, which translates to approximately $39 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, with Alaskan counselors earning 36.0% more than their counterparts in other states. Currently, there are about 1,290 Mental Health Counselors employed in Alaska.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Alaska. These include years of experience, the specific type of facility or organization employing the counselor, and their educational attainment and certifications. Geographic location within Alaska, with its vast distances and varied cost of living, can also play a role in compensation.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,240 |
| 25th percentile | $65,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $80,770 |
| 75th percentile | $97,960 |
| 90th percentile | $114,650 |
Top-Paying Industries for Mental Health Counselor (U.S.)
Which industries pay Mental Health Counselors the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Mental Health Counselors in Alaska tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Insurance | $80,880 | 1K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $66,530 | 35K |
| Educational Services | $62,070 | 35K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $60,480 | 5K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $60,460 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Mental Health Counselor in Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $80,770 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,193 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $80,770 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $83,193 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $65,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $80,770 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $97,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $114,650 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Mental Health Counselor ($80,770 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in AK | $452,620 | +460.4% | $217.61/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in AK | $421,450 | +421.8% | $202.62/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AK | $366,080 | +353.2% | $176.00/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AK | $342,170 | +323.6% | $164.50/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AK | $341,210 | +322.4% | $164.04/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AK | $323,490 | +300.5% | $155.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in AK | $267,390 | +231.1% | $128.55/hr |
| Dentist in AK | $230,990 | +186.0% | $111.05/hr |
| Optometrist in AK | $170,310 | +110.9% | $81.88/hr |
| Pharmacist in AK | $167,310 | +107.1% | $80.44/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AK | $155,170 | +92.1% | $74.60/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AK | $150,700 | +86.6% | $72.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Alaska?
- The salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Alaska generally falls between $58,240 and $114,650 annually. This means that while the median is $80,770, individual earnings can vary significantly based on experience and other factors.
How does the average Mental Health Counselor salary in Alaska compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in Alaska earn considerably more than the national average. Their median salary of $80,770 per year is 36.0% higher than the national median.
Is the demand for Mental Health Counselors high in Alaska?
- With 1,290 Mental Health Counselors currently employed in the state, the demand reflects a significant presence in the workforce. While specific demand trends require further analysis, this number indicates established opportunities.
What is the hourly rate for a Mental Health Counselor in Alaska?
- Based on the median annual salary of $80,770, a Mental Health Counselor in Alaska can expect to earn approximately $39 per hour. This hourly rate is reflective of the higher cost of living and demand in the state.