Mental Health Counselor Salary in California
Based on 76K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$59,250
$28.49/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-0.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$45K – $111K
76K employed in California
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in California is $59,250 per year, which equates to approximately $28 per hour. This figure is very close to the national average, with California earners making just 0.2% less. With 75,610 individuals employed in this role across the state, it's a significant profession.
Several factors can influence the compensation for a Mental Health Counselor in California. These include years of experience, the specific type of facility or organization they work for, their level of education and any specialized certifications, and the geographic location within California. Those in higher cost-of-living areas or in demand specializations may see higher pay.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,640 |
| 25th percentile | $47,640 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,250 |
| 75th percentile | $80,570 |
| 90th percentile | $111,080 |
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 California 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 California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (California) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,250 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,028 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,250 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,028 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in California
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,640 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,250 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,570 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $111,080 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in California
How other high-demand occupations in California compare to Mental Health Counselor ($59,250 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychiatrist in CA | $353,500 | +496.6% | $169.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CA | $313,890 | +429.8% | $150.91/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in CA | $301,240 | +408.4% | $144.83/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in CA | $292,410 | +393.5% | $140.58/hr |
| Radiologist in CA | $270,560 | +356.6% | $130.08/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CA | $252,010 | +325.3% | $121.16/hr |
| Pediatrician in CA | $214,140 | +261.4% | $102.95/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CA | $203,840 | +244.0% | $98.00/hr |
| Podiatrist in CA | $201,300 | +239.7% | $96.78/hr |
| Cardiologist in CA | $185,610 | +213.3% | $89.24/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in CA | $168,520 | +184.4% | $81.02/hr |
| Dentist in CA | $165,950 | +180.1% | $79.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in California?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in California is $59,250 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 California?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in California typically falls between $44,640 and $111,080 annually. This broad range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in California compare to the national average?
- The Mental Health Counselor salary in California is slightly below the national average, with California professionals earning approximately 0.2% less than their counterparts nationwide.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in California?
- There are approximately 75,610 Mental Health Counselors employed in California. This substantial number indicates a significant demand for these services across the state.