Mental Health Counselor Salary in Arkansas
Based on 3K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$51,580
$24.80/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-13.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $100K
3K employed in Arkansas
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Arkansas is $51,580 per year, which equates to about $25 per hour. This figure is 13.1% lower than the national average, reflecting regional economic factors and demand for mental health services within the state.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Arkansas. Experience level, specific certifications held, the type of facility or organization employing the counselor (e.g., private practice, government agency, hospital), and geographical location within Arkansas can all contribute to variations in earning potential. The salary range spans from $35,760 to $100,270 annually.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,760 |
| 25th percentile | $38,940 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $51,580 |
| 75th percentile | $67,240 |
| 90th percentile | $100,270 |
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 Arkansas 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 Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,127 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,580 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,127 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $38,940 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $51,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $67,240 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,270 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Mental Health Counselor ($51,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +394.3% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +352.0% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +334.8% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +318.4% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +246.9% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +211.1% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +163.8% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +143.6% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +141.9% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +141.3% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +129.6% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | +108.8% | $51.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Arkansas?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Arkansas is $51,580 per year. This means half of all Mental Health Counselors in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Arkansas?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Arkansas is quite broad, from $35,760 on the lower end to $100,270 on the higher end annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience and specialization.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Arkansas compare to the national average?
- The Mental Health Counselor salary in Arkansas is approximately 13.1% lower than the national average. The median Arkansas salary of $51,580 per year falls below the national median.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Arkansas?
- There are an estimated 2,570 Mental Health Counselors employed in Arkansas. This number provides context for the demand and availability of these professionals within the state.