Mental Health Counselor Salary in Colorado
Based on 15K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$62,390
$30.00/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+5.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$44K – $100K
15K employed in Colorado
The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Colorado is $62,390 per year, which translates to approximately $30 per hour. This figure is 5.1% higher than the national average for the profession, indicating a strong demand for these services in the state. Currently, there are over 14,900 Mental Health Counselors employed in Colorado.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Colorado. These include years of experience, specific certifications, the type of facility or organization employing the counselor, and geographic location within the state. Counselors in higher cost-of-living areas or those with specialized skills may command higher salaries.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,060 |
| 25th percentile | $49,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,390 |
| 75th percentile | $80,980 |
| 90th percentile | $100,020 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,390 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,262 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,390 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,262 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,390 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,980 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,020 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Mental Health Counselor ($62,390 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in CO | $344,270 | +451.8% | $165.51/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in CO | $299,990 | +380.8% | $144.23/hr |
| Psychiatrist in CO | $266,370 | +326.9% | $128.06/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in CO | $265,560 | +325.6% | $127.67/hr |
| Pediatrician in CO | $196,440 | +214.9% | $94.44/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | +166.5% | $79.92/hr |
| Pharmacist in CO | $156,030 | +150.1% | $75.01/hr |
| Optometrist in CO | $152,000 | +143.6% | $73.08/hr |
| Podiatrist in CO | $142,620 | +128.6% | $68.57/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in CO | $137,610 | +120.6% | $66.16/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in CO | $134,910 | +116.2% | $64.86/hr |
| Physician Assistant in CO | $134,540 | +115.6% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Colorado?
- The salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Colorado typically falls between $44,060 and $100,020 annually. The median salary sits at $62,390, meaning half of all Mental Health Counselors earn more than this, and half earn less.
How does the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Colorado compare to the national average?
- A Mental Health Counselor in Colorado earns, on average, 5.1% more than the national average. This suggests that compensation in Colorado is generally more favorable for this profession.
What is the hourly wage for a Mental Health Counselor in Colorado?
- Based on the median annual salary of $62,390, the average hourly wage for a Mental Health Counselor in Colorado is approximately $30 per hour. This is a key figure for understanding daily or part-time compensation.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Colorado?
- Colorado currently employs a significant number of Mental Health Counselors, with a total of 14,920 professionals in the field. This indicates a robust job market for those entering or working in this career.