Mental Health Counselor Salary in Georgia
Based on 10K+ workers in Georgia
Median Annual Salary (GA)
$58,960
$28.35/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-0.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $91K
10K employed in Georgia
The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Georgia is $58,960 per year, which equates to approximately $28 per hour. This figure is slightly below the national average for the profession. Currently, there are about 9,600 Mental Health Counselors employed across the state.
Several factors can influence a Mental Health Counselor salary in Georgia, including years of experience, the specific type of facility or organization where they work, and their level of education or specialized certifications. Location within Georgia can also play a role, with urban areas potentially offering higher compensation than rural ones.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Georgia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,390 |
| 25th percentile | $46,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,960 |
| 75th percentile | $72,500 |
| 90th percentile | $90,980 |
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 Georgia 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 Georgia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Georgia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,960 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,729 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Georgia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,960 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,729 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Georgia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,340 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,960 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $72,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $90,980 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Georgia
How other high-demand occupations in Georgia compare to Mental Health Counselor ($58,960 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in GA | $610,070 | +934.7% | $293.30/hr |
| Surgeon in GA | $502,070 | +751.5% | $241.38/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in GA | $425,460 | +621.6% | $204.55/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in GA | $354,000 | +500.4% | $170.19/hr |
| Radiologist in GA | $335,190 | +468.5% | $161.15/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in GA | $259,320 | +339.8% | $124.67/hr |
| Psychiatrist in GA | $237,480 | +302.8% | $114.17/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in GA | $230,000 | +290.1% | $110.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in GA | $224,630 | +281.0% | $108.00/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in GA | $219,010 | +271.5% | $105.29/hr |
| Dentist in GA | $206,760 | +250.7% | $99.40/hr |
| Pediatrician in GA | $149,990 | +154.4% | $72.11/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Georgia?
- The salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Georgia typically falls between $37,390 and $90,980 per year. The median annual salary is $58,960.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Georgia compare to the national average?
- The Mental Health Counselor salary in Georgia is approximately 0.7% lower than the national average. The median salary in Georgia is $58,960 annually.
What is the hourly wage for a Mental Health Counselor in Georgia?
- Based on the median annual salary of $58,960, a Mental Health Counselor in Georgia can expect to earn around $28 per hour. This is derived from a standard 40-hour work week.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Georgia?
- There are approximately 9,600 Mental Health Counselors currently employed in Georgia. This indicates a significant demand for these professionals within the state.