Mental Health Counselor Salary in New Mexico
Based on 2K+ workers in New Mexico
Median Annual Salary (NM)
$74,100
$35.63/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+24.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$49K – $113K
2K employed in New Mexico
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in New Mexico is $74,100 per year, which translates to $36 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, with New Mexico counselors earning approximately 24.8% more.
Several factors can influence the exact compensation for a Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico. These include years of experience, the specific type of facility or organization employing them, their level of education and licensure, and their geographic location within the state, with urban areas often offering higher pay.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,900 |
| 25th percentile | $60,300 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $74,100 |
| 75th percentile | $89,800 |
| 90th percentile | $113,420 |
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 Mexico 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 Mexico vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Mexico) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,323 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Mexico Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,100 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,323 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in New Mexico
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,300 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $74,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $89,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $113,420 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in New Mexico
How other high-demand occupations in New Mexico compare to Mental Health Counselor ($74,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NM | $405,130 | +446.7% | $194.77/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in NM | $393,970 | +431.7% | $189.41/hr |
| Surgeon in NM | $363,940 | +391.1% | $174.97/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NM | $259,990 | +250.9% | $125.00/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NM | $228,040 | +207.7% | $109.63/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NM | $227,730 | +207.3% | $109.49/hr |
| Podiatrist in NM | $202,690 | +173.5% | $97.45/hr |
| Pediatrician in NM | $202,390 | +173.1% | $97.30/hr |
| Dentist in NM | $155,260 | +109.5% | $74.64/hr |
| Pharmacist in NM | $147,000 | +98.4% | $70.67/hr |
| Optometrist in NM | $144,660 | +95.2% | $69.55/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NM | $139,920 | +88.8% | $67.27/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in New Mexico is $74,100 annually. This means half of all Mental Health Counselors in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Mental Health Counselors in New Mexico?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in New Mexico typically falls between $48,900 on the lower end and $113,420 on the higher end. This wide range reflects variations in experience and location.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in New Mexico compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in New Mexico earn significantly more than their national counterparts. The average salary in New Mexico is approximately 24.8% higher than the national average.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in New Mexico?
- There are approximately 2,420 Mental Health Counselors employed in New Mexico. This number indicates a substantial presence of these professionals within the state's workforce.