Mental Health Counselor Salary in North Carolina
Based on 10K+ workers in North Carolina
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$55,490
$26.68/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-6.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $86K
10K employed in North Carolina
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in North Carolina is $55,490 per year, which translates to approximately $27 per hour. This figure is 6.6% lower than the national average for the profession, indicating a distinct compensation landscape within the state.
Several factors can influence the earning potential of Mental Health Counselors in North Carolina. These include years of experience, the specific type of facility or organization where they work, their level of education and any specialized certifications they hold, and the geographic location within North Carolina.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,440 |
| 25th percentile | $45,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $55,490 |
| 75th percentile | $68,610 |
| 90th percentile | $86,010 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $55,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,155 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $55,490 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,155 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $55,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $68,610 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $86,010 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Mental Health Counselor ($55,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in NC | $398,410 | +618.0% | $191.54/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in NC | $339,350 | +511.6% | $163.15/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NC | $289,780 | +422.2% | $139.32/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in NC | $224,610 | +304.8% | $107.99/hr |
| Podiatrist in NC | $215,420 | +288.2% | $103.57/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NC | $215,230 | +287.9% | $103.48/hr |
| Dentist in NC | $207,000 | +273.0% | $99.52/hr |
| Pediatrician in NC | $183,550 | +230.8% | $88.25/hr |
| Psychiatrist in NC | $168,880 | +204.3% | $81.19/hr |
| Optometrist in NC | $161,560 | +191.2% | $77.67/hr |
| Pharmacist in NC | $138,860 | +150.2% | $66.76/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in NC | $134,540 | +142.5% | $64.68/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina?
- In North Carolina, Mental Health Counselors typically earn between $37,440 and $86,010 annually. The median salary sits at $55,490 per year.
How does the average Mental Health Counselor salary in North Carolina compare to the national average?
- The average Mental Health Counselor salary in North Carolina is 6.6% lower than the national average. This means that professionals in NC may earn less on average compared to their counterparts in other states.
What are the highest paying factors for Mental Health Counselors in North Carolina?
- While specific data on the highest payers isn't provided, generally, experience and specialized certifications often lead to higher salaries, potentially reaching up to $86,010 annually. Location and the type of employer also play a significant role.
Is the hourly wage for a Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina competitive?
- The median hourly wage for a Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina is $27. This hourly rate is derived from the annual median salary of $55,490 and offers a benchmark for evaluating compensation within the state.