Mental Health Counselor Salary in Louisiana
Based on 6K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$37,910
$18.23/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-36.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$30K – $66K
6K employed in Louisiana
The median annual salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Louisiana is $37,910 per year, which is equivalent to $18 per hour. This figure is significantly lower than the national average, by approximately 36.2%. Currently, there are an estimated 6,420 Mental Health Counselors employed in the state.
Several factors can influence a Mental Health Counselor salary in Louisiana. Experience level, the specific setting of employment (e.g., private practice, hospital, government agency), and geographic location within the state can all contribute to variations in pay. Advanced degrees or specialized certifications may also lead to higher earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $29,860 |
| 25th percentile | $33,970 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $37,910 |
| 75th percentile | $55,370 |
| 90th percentile | $65,720 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,047 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $37,910 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $39,047 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $33,970 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $37,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $55,370 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $65,720 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Mental Health Counselor ($37,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pediatrician in LA | $502,720 | +1226.1% | $241.69/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in LA | $410,500 | +982.8% | $197.36/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LA | $404,550 | +967.1% | $194.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in LA | $345,040 | +810.2% | $165.88/hr |
| Surgeon in LA | $304,830 | +704.1% | $146.55/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in LA | $255,330 | +573.5% | $122.75/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in LA | $222,130 | +485.9% | $106.79/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in LA | $210,390 | +455.0% | $101.15/hr |
| Podiatrist in LA | $197,480 | +420.9% | $94.94/hr |
| Dentist in LA | $170,750 | +350.4% | $82.09/hr |
| Pharmacist in LA | $132,410 | +249.3% | $63.66/hr |
| Physician Assistant in LA | $128,870 | +239.9% | $61.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Louisiana?
- In Louisiana, the salary range for a Mental Health Counselor generally falls between $29,860 and $65,720 annually. The median salary of $37,910 sits within this broad spectrum, indicating a wide variety of earning potentials.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Louisiana compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in Louisiana earn a median salary of $37,910 per year, which is 36.2% less than the national average. This suggests that the cost of living or demand for these services may differ between Louisiana and other states.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 6,420 Mental Health Counselors employed across Louisiana. This number reflects the current demand and workforce size for these professionals within the state.
What is the hourly wage for a Mental Health Counselor in Louisiana?
- For Mental Health Counselors in Louisiana, the median hourly wage is $18. This is derived from the median annual salary of $37,910, providing an hourly perspective on their earnings.