Mental Health Counselor Salary in New Jersey
Based on 14K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$62,820
$30.20/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+5.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$41K – $104K
14K employed in New Jersey
The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in New Jersey is $62,820 annually, which equates to approximately $30 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, with New Jersey counselors earning 5.8% more. There are currently around 14,210 Mental Health Counselors employed in the state.
Several factors influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in New Jersey. These include years of experience, the specific type of facility or practice where one is employed, and the level of education and any specialized certifications held. Geographic location within New Jersey can also play a role, with higher cost-of-living areas potentially offering higher compensation.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,630 |
| 25th percentile | $49,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,820 |
| 75th percentile | $81,900 |
| 90th percentile | $104,310 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,705 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,820 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,705 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $49,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,900 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $104,310 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Mental Health Counselor ($62,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radiologist in NJ | $482,700 | +668.4% | $232.07/hr |
| Surgeon in NJ | $437,890 | +597.1% | $210.52/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NJ | $315,340 | +402.0% | $151.61/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NJ | $292,170 | +365.1% | $140.47/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NJ | $291,350 | +363.8% | $140.07/hr |
| Cardiologist in NJ | $286,540 | +356.1% | $137.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NJ | $228,870 | +264.3% | $110.03/hr |
| Pediatrician in NJ | $201,560 | +220.9% | $96.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NJ | $194,070 | +208.9% | $93.30/hr |
| Dentist in NJ | $171,330 | +172.7% | $82.37/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NJ | $165,690 | +163.8% | $79.66/hr |
| Podiatrist in NJ | $160,300 | +155.2% | $77.07/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in New Jersey?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in New Jersey is $62,820 per year. This translates to an hourly rate of about $30 for those working full-time.
What is the salary range for Mental Health Counselors in New Jersey?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in New Jersey falls between $40,630 for entry-level positions and can reach up to $104,310 for highly experienced professionals.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in New Jersey earn 5.8% more than the national average. This means that while the national median might be lower, New Jersey offers a more competitive compensation for this role.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in New Jersey?
- There are approximately 14,210 Mental Health Counselors currently employed across New Jersey. This indicates a substantial demand for these services within the state.