Mental Health Counselor Salary in Iowa
Based on 4K+ workers in Iowa
Median Annual Salary (IA)
$60,880
$29.27/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+2.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$44K – $103K
4K employed in Iowa
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Iowa is $60,880 per year, which translates to approximately $29 per hour. This figure is 2.5% higher than the national average for the profession, indicating a slightly more competitive compensation landscape for these professionals within the state.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Iowa. These include the counselor's level of experience, specific qualifications and certifications, the type of facility or practice they work for (e.g., private practice, hospital, non-profit), and the geographic location within Iowa, with larger urban areas potentially offering higher pay.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Iowa
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $44,450 |
| 25th percentile | $48,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,880 |
| 75th percentile | $77,220 |
| 90th percentile | $102,890 |
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 Iowa 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 Iowa vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Iowa) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,706 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Iowa Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,880 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,706 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Iowa
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $77,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $102,890 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Iowa
How other high-demand occupations in Iowa compare to Mental Health Counselor ($60,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in IA | $429,050 | +604.7% | $206.27/hr |
| Radiologist in IA | $405,220 | +565.6% | $194.82/hr |
| Surgeon in IA | $370,390 | +508.4% | $178.07/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IA | $356,020 | +484.8% | $171.16/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IA | $295,270 | +385.0% | $141.96/hr |
| Cardiologist in IA | $283,070 | +365.0% | $136.09/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IA | $273,070 | +348.5% | $131.28/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IA | $265,200 | +335.6% | $127.50/hr |
| Pediatrician in IA | $262,440 | +331.1% | $126.17/hr |
| Dentist in IA | $181,520 | +198.2% | $87.27/hr |
| Pharmacist in IA | $138,860 | +128.1% | $66.76/hr |
| Podiatrist in IA | $134,830 | +121.5% | $64.82/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average annual salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Iowa?
- The median annual salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Iowa is $60,880. This means half of all Mental Health Counselors in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the hourly pay rate for a Mental Health Counselor in Iowa?
- On average, Mental Health Counselors in Iowa earn approximately $29 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from the median annual salary, assuming a standard full-time work schedule.
What is the salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Iowa?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Iowa typically falls between $44,450 on the lower end and $102,890 on the higher end. This broad range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Iowa compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in Iowa earn approximately 2.5% more than the national average. This suggests that compensation for this role in Iowa is slightly above the national median.