Mental Health Counselor Salary in Illinois
Based on 20K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$60,730
$29.20/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+2.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $109K
20K employed in Illinois
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Illinois is $60,730 per year, or approximately $29 per hour. This figure is slightly higher than the national average, with Illinois counselors earning 2.3% more. Approximately 20,250 mental health counselors are employed across the state.
Several factors can influence a Mental Health Counselor salary in Illinois. These include the counselor's level of experience, the specific geographic location within Illinois, the type of facility or organization they work for, and their educational credentials. Advanced certifications or specialized skills can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,010 |
| 25th percentile | $47,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,730 |
| 75th percentile | $80,070 |
| 90th percentile | $109,100 |
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 Illinois 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 Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,730 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,552 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,730 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,552 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,730 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $80,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $109,100 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Mental Health Counselor ($60,730 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +752.7% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +621.2% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +372.3% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +326.0% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +303.6% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +242.5% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +224.0% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +175.6% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +157.1% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +139.8% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +131.6% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +129.0% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Illinois?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Illinois is quite broad, spanning from $43,010 at the lower end to $109,100 annually at the higher end. This indicates significant variation in compensation based on experience and other factors.
How does the average Mental Health Counselor salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in Illinois tend to earn slightly more than their national counterparts. The average salary in Illinois is 2.3% higher than the national average, reflecting regional demand and cost of living.
What is the median annual income for a Mental Health Counselor in Illinois?
- The median annual income for a Mental Health Counselor in Illinois is $60,730. This means half of all counselors in the state earn less than this amount, and half earn more.
Is it possible for an experienced Mental Health Counselor to earn over $100,000 in Illinois?
- Yes, it is possible for experienced and highly qualified Mental Health Counselors to exceed $100,000 annually in Illinois. The top 10% of earners can reach up to $109,100 per year, suggesting strong earning potential for seasoned professionals.