Mental Health Counselor Salary in Delaware
Based on 2K+ workers in Delaware
Median Annual Salary (DE)
$56,020
$26.93/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-5.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $81K
2K employed in Delaware
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Delaware is $56,020 per year, which translates to approximately $27 per hour. This figure is 5.7% lower than the national average for the profession. With around 1,700 Mental Health Counselors employed in the state, understanding compensation trends is vital for those in or entering this field.
Several factors influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Delaware. Experience level plays a significant role, with more seasoned professionals typically earning higher salaries than those just starting out. The specific type of facility or practice where a counselor works, such as a private practice versus a large hospital, can also impact earnings, as can additional certifications or specializations held by the individual.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Delaware
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,940 |
| 25th percentile | $43,760 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,020 |
| 75th percentile | $64,790 |
| 90th percentile | $80,710 |
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 Delaware 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 Delaware vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Delaware) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,020 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,701 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Delaware Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,020 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,701 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Delaware
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,760 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,020 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $64,790 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $80,710 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Delaware
How other high-demand occupations in Delaware compare to Mental Health Counselor ($56,020 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in DE | $324,080 | +478.5% | $155.81/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DE | $279,410 | +398.8% | $134.33/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DE | $228,000 | +307.0% | $109.62/hr |
| Pediatrician in DE | $219,190 | +291.3% | $105.38/hr |
| Podiatrist in DE | $170,560 | +204.5% | $82.00/hr |
| Optometrist in DE | $161,270 | +187.9% | $77.53/hr |
| Pharmacist in DE | $152,880 | +172.9% | $73.50/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DE | $139,350 | +148.8% | $67.00/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DE | $134,820 | +140.7% | $64.82/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DE | $131,040 | +133.9% | $63.00/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in DE | $127,510 | +127.6% | $61.30/hr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist in DE | $102,760 | +83.4% | $49.40/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Delaware?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Delaware generally falls between $36,940 and $80,710 per year. This wide range reflects variations in experience, employer, and location within the state.
How does the median Mental Health Counselor salary in Delaware compare to the national average?
- The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Delaware is $56,020 annually, which is 5.7% less than the national average. This indicates that counselors in Delaware may earn slightly less on average compared to their counterparts across the United States.
What is the hourly wage for a Mental Health Counselor in Delaware?
- Mental Health Counselors in Delaware earn a median hourly wage of $27. Based on the annual median salary of $56,020, this hourly rate is a good indicator of day-to-day compensation for the role.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Delaware?
- There are approximately 1,700 Mental Health Counselors employed in Delaware. This number provides context for the job market and potential demand for these services within the state.