Mental Health Counselor Salary in Kentucky
Based on 8K+ workers in Kentucky
Median Annual Salary (KY)
$54,190
$26.05/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-8.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$35K – $83K
8K employed in Kentucky
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Kentucky is $54,190 per year, which translates to approximately $26 per hour. This figure is 8.7% lower than the national average for the profession. With a total of 7,690 Mental Health Counselors employed in the state, this data provides a snapshot of the earning potential for this vital role in Kentucky.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Kentucky. Experience level, specific qualifications, the type of facility or organization employing the counselor, and geographic location within the state can all contribute to variations in pay. Counselors in more urban or high-demand areas may command higher salaries, as can those with specialized certifications or advanced degrees.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,150 |
| 25th percentile | $41,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $54,190 |
| 75th percentile | $72,590 |
| 90th percentile | $83,070 |
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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Kentucky) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $54,190 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,816 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Kentucky Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $54,190 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $55,816 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $41,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $54,190 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $72,590 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $83,070 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Kentucky
How other high-demand occupations in Kentucky compare to Mental Health Counselor ($54,190 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in KY | $558,180 | +930.0% | $268.36/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in KY | $347,960 | +542.1% | $167.29/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in KY | $317,110 | +485.2% | $152.46/hr |
| Radiologist in KY | $279,990 | +416.7% | $134.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in KY | $248,730 | +359.0% | $119.58/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in KY | $241,530 | +345.7% | $116.12/hr |
| Psychiatrist in KY | $237,770 | +338.8% | $114.31/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in KY | $222,520 | +310.6% | $106.98/hr |
| Podiatrist in KY | $201,260 | +271.4% | $96.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in KY | $175,690 | +224.2% | $84.47/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in KY | $169,390 | +212.6% | $81.44/hr |
| Surgeon in KY | $162,160 | +199.2% | $77.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Kentucky?
- In Kentucky, the salary range for a Mental Health Counselor typically falls between $35,150 and $83,070 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
How does the average Mental Health Counselor salary in Kentucky compare to the national average?
- The average Mental Health Counselor salary in Kentucky is 8.7% lower than the national average. This means that, on average, counselors in Kentucky earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the median annual salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Kentucky?
- The median annual salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Kentucky is $54,190. This figure represents the midpoint of all salaries, with half earning more and half earning less.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Kentucky?
- There are approximately 7,690 Mental Health Counselors employed in Kentucky. This indicates a significant number of professionals dedicated to mental health services within the state.