Mental Health Counselor Salary in Mississippi
Based on 2K+ workers in Mississippi
Median Annual Salary (MS)
$46,990
$22.59/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-20.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$33K – $77K
2K employed in Mississippi
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Mississippi is $46,990 annually, which translates to approximately $23 per hour. This figure is 20.9% lower than the national average for the profession. Currently, there are an estimated 2,090 Mental Health Counselors employed in the state.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Mississippi. Experience level plays a significant role, with entry-level positions typically paying closer to the lower end of the $32,770 to $77,310 range. Location within Mississippi, the type of facility (e.g., private practice, community mental health center, hospital), and specialized certifications can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Mississippi
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,770 |
| 25th percentile | $38,760 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $46,990 |
| 75th percentile | $58,560 |
| 90th percentile | $77,310 |
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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Mississippi) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,990 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,400 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Mississippi Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $46,990 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $48,400 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Mississippi
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $38,760 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $46,990 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $58,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,310 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Mississippi
How other high-demand occupations in Mississippi compare to Mental Health Counselor ($46,990 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in MS | $325,610 | +592.9% | $156.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MS | $252,960 | +438.3% | $121.62/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MS | $235,630 | +401.4% | $113.28/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MS | $213,680 | +354.7% | $102.73/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MS | $198,410 | +322.2% | $95.39/hr |
| Pediatrician in MS | $183,650 | +290.8% | $88.29/hr |
| Surgeon in MS | $180,420 | +284.0% | $86.74/hr |
| Podiatrist in MS | $164,410 | +249.9% | $79.04/hr |
| Dentist in MS | $143,660 | +205.7% | $69.07/hr |
| Pharmacist in MS | $133,230 | +183.5% | $64.05/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in MS | $124,730 | +165.4% | $59.97/hr |
| Optometrist in MS | $108,070 | +130.0% | $51.96/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Mississippi?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Mississippi is $46,990 per year, or about $23 per hour. This indicates that half of counselors earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Mississippi?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Mississippi spans from $32,770 to $77,310 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, employer, and location within the state.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Mississippi compare to the national average?
- The Mental Health Counselor salary in Mississippi is 20.9% lower than the national average. This means that, on average, counselors in Mississippi earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Mississippi?
- There are approximately 2,090 Mental Health Counselors employed in Mississippi. This number represents the current workforce in this field within the state.