Mental Health Counselor Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 18K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$59,890
$28.79/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+0.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$43K – $96K
18K employed in Massachusetts
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Massachusetts is $59,890 annually, which translates to approximately $29 per hour. This figure is slightly higher than the national average, with Massachusetts professionals earning about 0.9% more than their counterparts across the country. Over 18,000 Mental Health Counselors are employed in the state.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Massachusetts. These include years of experience, the specific type of facility or organization where one is employed, and the geographical location within the state. Advanced degrees or specialized certifications can also lead to higher earning potential for these professionals.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,180 |
| 25th percentile | $47,540 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,890 |
| 75th percentile | $76,950 |
| 90th percentile | $96,200 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,890 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,687 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,890 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,687 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,540 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,890 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $76,950 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $96,200 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Mental Health Counselor ($59,890 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in MA | $426,560 | +612.2% | $205.08/hr |
| Surgeon in MA | $387,150 | +546.4% | $186.13/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MA | $356,230 | +494.8% | $171.26/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MA | $295,550 | +393.5% | $142.09/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MA | $285,250 | +376.3% | $137.14/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MA | $277,490 | +363.3% | $133.41/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in MA | $272,240 | +354.6% | $130.88/hr |
| Pediatrician in MA | $221,170 | +269.3% | $106.33/hr |
| Podiatrist in MA | $217,700 | +263.5% | $104.66/hr |
| Dentist in MA | $181,600 | +203.2% | $87.31/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MA | $159,800 | +166.8% | $76.83/hr |
| Optometrist in MA | $151,730 | +153.3% | $72.95/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts?
- The salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts typically falls between $43,180 and $96,200 per year. This broad range reflects variations in experience, employer, and specialization within the field.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Massachusetts compare to the national average?
- The Mental Health Counselor salary in Massachusetts is slightly above the national average, by approximately 0.9%. This means professionals in Massachusetts tend to earn a bit more compared to the median national salary.
What is the median annual income for a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts?
- The median annual income for a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts is $59,890. This figure represents the midpoint of all salaries, with half of counselors earning more and half earning less.
Is $29 an hour a common wage for Mental Health Counselors in Massachusetts?
- Yes, $29 per hour is the hourly equivalent of the median annual salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts. While many may earn less, some can earn significantly more than this hourly rate.