Mental Health Counselor Salary in Oregon
Based on 8K+ workers in Oregon
Median Annual Salary (OR)
$74,590
$35.86/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+25.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $103K
8K employed in Oregon
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Oregon is $74,590 per year, which translates to approximately $36 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, with Oregon-based counselors earning 25.6% more. With a total of 8,160 employed in the state, this profession offers a significant number of opportunities.
Several factors can influence the specific Mental Health Counselor salary in Oregon. Experience level plays a crucial role, as does the type of facility or organization employing the counselor, with private practices and specialized clinics often offering different compensation structures. Location within Oregon, such as major metropolitan areas versus more rural settings, can also impact earnings.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Oregon
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,860 |
| 25th percentile | $60,130 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $74,590 |
| 75th percentile | $86,800 |
| 90th percentile | $102,830 |
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 Oregon 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 Oregon vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Oregon) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,590 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,828 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Oregon Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $74,590 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $76,828 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Oregon
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $60,130 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $74,590 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $86,800 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $102,830 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Oregon
How other high-demand occupations in Oregon compare to Mental Health Counselor ($74,590 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in OR | $395,340 | +430.0% | $190.07/hr |
| Psychiatrist in OR | $314,880 | +322.1% | $151.38/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in OR | $293,240 | +293.1% | $140.98/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in OR | $272,330 | +265.1% | $130.93/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in OR | $268,570 | +260.1% | $129.12/hr |
| Pediatrician in OR | $224,690 | +201.2% | $108.02/hr |
| Dentist in OR | $211,690 | +183.8% | $101.77/hr |
| Podiatrist in OR | $207,430 | +178.1% | $99.73/hr |
| Pharmacist in OR | $165,960 | +122.5% | $79.79/hr |
| Physician Assistant in OR | $155,780 | +108.8% | $74.89/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in OR | $155,680 | +108.7% | $74.85/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in OR | $146,900 | +96.9% | $70.63/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Oregon?
- The salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Oregon typically falls between $49,860 and $102,830 annually. This wide range reflects the various factors that influence compensation for professionals in this field.
How does the median salary for Mental Health Counselors in Oregon compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in Oregon earn a median salary of $74,590 per year, which is 25.6% higher than the national average. This indicates a strong market for these professionals within the state.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Oregon?
- There are approximately 8,160 Mental Health Counselors employed in Oregon. This number highlights the demand for these services within the state's mental health sector.
What is the hourly rate for a Mental Health Counselor in Oregon?
- Based on the median annual salary of $74,590, Mental Health Counselors in Oregon can expect to earn around $36 per hour. This hourly figure provides a useful benchmark for part-time or hourly compensation expectations.