Mental Health Counselor Salary in Florida
Based on 30K+ workers in Florida
Median Annual Salary (FL)
$56,790
$27.30/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-4.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $84K
30K employed in Florida
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Florida is $56,790 per year, which translates to approximately $27 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average, with Florida counselors earning about 4.4% less. With nearly 30,000 professionals employed in this field across the state, understanding compensation trends is vital.
Several factors influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Florida. Experience level is a primary driver, with entry-level positions typically falling towards the lower end of the $39,430 to $84,410 range. Location within Florida, the specific type of facility (e.g., private practice, hospital, community mental health center), and any specialized certifications can also significantly impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Florida
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,430 |
| 25th percentile | $46,590 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,790 |
| 75th percentile | $73,030 |
| 90th percentile | $84,410 |
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 Florida 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 Florida vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Florida) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,790 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,494 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Florida Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,790 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,494 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Florida
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,590 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,790 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $73,030 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $84,410 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Florida
How other high-demand occupations in Florida compare to Mental Health Counselor ($56,790 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in FL | $465,370 | +719.5% | $223.74/hr |
| Surgeon in FL | $429,990 | +657.2% | $206.73/hr |
| Radiologist in FL | $417,690 | +635.5% | $200.81/hr |
| Cardiologist in FL | $414,910 | +630.6% | $199.48/hr |
| Psychiatrist in FL | $316,200 | +456.8% | $152.02/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in FL | $227,700 | +301.0% | $109.47/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in FL | $222,600 | +292.0% | $107.02/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in FL | $210,570 | +270.8% | $101.24/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in FL | $204,990 | +261.0% | $98.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in FL | $182,010 | +220.5% | $87.50/hr |
| Dentist in FL | $174,900 | +208.0% | $84.09/hr |
| Optometrist in FL | $151,670 | +167.1% | $72.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Florida?
- The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Florida is $56,790 per year. This means half of all counselors in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Florida?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Florida generally falls between $39,430 for entry-level positions and $84,410 for experienced professionals. This broad range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Florida compare to the national average?
- The Mental Health Counselor salary in Florida is approximately 4.4% lower than the national average. While the median in Florida is $56,790, the national median is higher.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Florida?
- There are approximately 29,750 Mental Health Counselors employed in Florida. This indicates a substantial job market for individuals in this profession within the state.