Mental Health Counselor Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 1K+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$60,450
$29.06/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+1.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $108K
1K employed in District of Columbia
The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in the District of Columbia is $60,450 per year, or $29 per hour. This figure sits slightly above the national average by 1.8%. With approximately 1,260 individuals employed in this field within D.C., the career offers a substantial presence.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in District of Columbia. Experience level is a primary driver, with entry-level positions generally falling towards the lower end of the $43,060 to $107,980 range, while seasoned professionals can command salaries closer to the upper limit.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,060 |
| 25th percentile | $46,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,450 |
| 75th percentile | $83,570 |
| 90th percentile | $107,980 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,450 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,264 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,450 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,264 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,450 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $83,570 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $107,980 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Mental Health Counselor ($60,450 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in DC | $318,200 | +426.4% | $152.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in DC | $265,740 | +339.6% | $127.76/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in DC | $233,390 | +286.1% | $112.21/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in DC | $223,250 | +269.3% | $107.33/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in DC | $202,570 | +235.1% | $97.39/hr |
| Psychiatrist in DC | $183,080 | +202.9% | $88.02/hr |
| Radiologist in DC | $182,450 | +201.8% | $87.72/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | +156.6% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | +153.8% | $73.75/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in DC | $137,220 | +127.0% | $65.97/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in DC | $135,880 | +124.8% | $65.33/hr |
| Physician Assistant in DC | $135,140 | +123.6% | $64.97/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Washington D.C.?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in the District of Columbia is $60,450 annually. This breaks down to an hourly rate of approximately $29.
What is the salary range for Mental Health Counselors in D.C.?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in the District of Columbia is quite broad, extending from $43,060 on the lower end to $107,980 on the higher end.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in the District of Columbia compare to the national average?
- The Mental Health Counselor salary in the District of Columbia is approximately 1.8% higher than the national average. This indicates a slightly more lucrative market for these professionals in D.C.
Is the demand for Mental Health Counselors high in Washington D.C.?
- There are currently 1,260 Mental Health Counselors employed in the District of Columbia. While specific demand data isn't provided, this number suggests a notable presence of the profession in the area.