Mental Health Counselor Salary in Ohio
Based on 18K+ workers in Ohio
Median Annual Salary (OH)
$58,360
$28.06/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-1.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$39K – $84K
18K employed in Ohio
The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Ohio is approximately $58,360 per year, or $28 per hour. This figure is slightly lower than the national average by 1.7%, with roughly 18,020 professionals employed in the state. Understanding this baseline is crucial for anyone considering a career in mental health services within Ohio.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Ohio. These include years of experience, the specific type of facility or practice where one is employed, and educational qualifications. Geographic location within Ohio can also play a role, with urban areas potentially offering different compensation than rural settings.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Ohio
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,010 |
| 25th percentile | $47,660 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $58,360 |
| 75th percentile | $68,850 |
| 90th percentile | $83,730 |
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 Ohio 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 Ohio vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Ohio) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,360 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,111 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Ohio Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $58,360 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,111 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Ohio
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,660 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $58,360 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $68,850 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $83,730 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Ohio
How other high-demand occupations in Ohio compare to Mental Health Counselor ($58,360 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in OH | $554,220 | +849.7% | $266.45/hr |
| Cardiologist in OH | $504,260 | +764.1% | $242.43/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in OH | $490,530 | +740.5% | $235.83/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in OH | $377,480 | +546.8% | $181.48/hr |
| Radiologist in OH | $260,000 | +345.5% | $125.00/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in OH | $249,990 | +328.4% | $120.19/hr |
| Psychiatrist in OH | $244,990 | +319.8% | $117.78/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in OH | $231,810 | +297.2% | $111.45/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in OH | $223,700 | +283.3% | $107.55/hr |
| Pediatrician in OH | $217,970 | +273.5% | $104.79/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in OH | $181,520 | +211.0% | $87.27/hr |
| Dentist in OH | $167,410 | +186.9% | $80.49/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Ohio?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Ohio generally falls between $39,010 and $83,730 annually. This broad spectrum reflects the various levels of experience and specialization within the field.
How does the average Mental Health Counselor salary in Ohio compare to the national average?
- The average Mental Health Counselor salary in Ohio is about 1.7% lower than the national average. While the median in Ohio is $58,360 per year, national figures may be slightly higher.
What is the hourly wage for a Mental Health Counselor in Ohio?
- Mental Health Counselors in Ohio earn a median hourly wage of around $28. This aligns with the annual median salary of $58,360, providing an hourly perspective on compensation.
Is the number of employed Mental Health Counselors significant in Ohio?
- Yes, there are approximately 18,020 Mental Health Counselors employed in Ohio. This indicates a substantial presence of these professionals serving the mental health needs of the state's population.