Mental Health Counselor Salary in Missouri
Based on 8K+ workers in Missouri
Median Annual Salary (MO)
$56,910
$27.36/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-4.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $89K
8K employed in Missouri
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Missouri is $56,910 per year, which translates to approximately $27 per hour. This figure is 4.2% lower than the national average for the profession, with a total of 8,130 individuals employed in this role within the state.
Several factors can influence a Mental Health Counselor's earnings in Missouri. These include years of experience, specific certifications held, the type of facility or organization they work for (e.g., private practice, hospital, non-profit), and the geographical location within Missouri. Advanced degrees can also contribute to higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Missouri
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,650 |
| 25th percentile | $44,140 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $56,910 |
| 75th percentile | $72,280 |
| 90th percentile | $89,400 |
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 Missouri 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 Missouri vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Missouri) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,617 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Missouri Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $56,910 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,617 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $44,140 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $56,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $72,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $89,400 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Missouri
How other high-demand occupations in Missouri compare to Mental Health Counselor ($56,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in MO | $648,070 | +1038.8% | $311.57/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in MO | $456,280 | +701.8% | $219.37/hr |
| Psychiatrist in MO | $312,680 | +449.4% | $150.33/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in MO | $242,630 | +326.3% | $116.65/hr |
| Pediatrician in MO | $223,910 | +293.4% | $107.65/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in MO | $216,570 | +280.5% | $104.12/hr |
| Dentist in MO | $204,960 | +260.1% | $98.54/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in MO | $171,180 | +200.8% | $82.30/hr |
| Pharmacist in MO | $137,610 | +141.8% | $66.16/hr |
| Physician Assistant in MO | $135,130 | +137.4% | $64.97/hr |
| Optometrist in MO | $133,810 | +135.1% | $64.33/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MO | $130,220 | +128.8% | $62.61/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Missouri?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Missouri generally falls between $37,650 and $89,400 annually. This broad range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
How does the average Mental Health Counselor salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
- The average Mental Health Counselor salary in Missouri is approximately 4.2% lower than the national average. While the median Missouri salary is $56,910, the national median is higher.
What is the hourly pay for a Mental Health Counselor in Missouri?
- Based on the median annual salary of $56,910, a Mental Health Counselor in Missouri can expect to earn around $27 per hour. This hourly rate is derived from a standard 40-hour work week.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Missouri?
- There are approximately 8,130 Mental Health Counselors currently employed in Missouri. This indicates a significant presence of professionals dedicated to mental health services within the state.