Mental Health Counselor Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 31K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$52,010
$25.00/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-12.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$36K – $82K
31K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Pennsylvania is $52,010 per year, which equates to about $25 per hour. This figure is 12.4% lower than the national average, reflecting regional economic factors. With over 30,000 professionals employed in the field across the state, opportunities exist for those dedicated to mental well-being.
Several factors influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Pennsylvania. Experience levels play a significant role, with more seasoned professionals typically earning more. The specific type of facility or organization where a counselor works, such as a private practice, hospital, or community mental health center, can also impact compensation, as can geographical location within the state.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,280 |
| 25th percentile | $43,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $52,010 |
| 75th percentile | $65,280 |
| 90th percentile | $81,970 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,010 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,570 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,010 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,570 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $52,010 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,280 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $81,970 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Mental Health Counselor ($52,010 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in PA | $579,120 | +1013.5% | $278.42/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in PA | $461,390 | +787.1% | $221.82/hr |
| Radiologist in PA | $455,380 | +775.6% | $218.93/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in PA | $306,030 | +488.4% | $147.13/hr |
| Psychiatrist in PA | $278,970 | +436.4% | $134.12/hr |
| Pediatrician in PA | $226,440 | +335.4% | $108.87/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in PA | $221,530 | +325.9% | $106.50/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in PA | $213,310 | +310.1% | $102.55/hr |
| Dentist in PA | $163,390 | +214.2% | $78.55/hr |
| Podiatrist in PA | $155,050 | +198.1% | $74.54/hr |
| Pharmacist in PA | $138,160 | +165.6% | $66.42/hr |
| Optometrist in PA | $135,400 | +160.3% | $65.10/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Pennsylvania?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Pennsylvania generally falls between $36,280 and $81,970 annually. This broad spectrum indicates that while entry-level positions may start lower, experienced counselors can earn substantially more.
How does the average Mental Health Counselor salary in Pennsylvania compare to the national average?
- The average Mental Health Counselor salary in Pennsylvania is 12.4% lower than the national average. This means that, on average, professionals in Pennsylvania earn less than their counterparts across the United States.
What is the median annual income for a Mental Health Counselor in Pennsylvania?
- The median annual income for a Mental Health Counselor in Pennsylvania is $52,010. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported salaries, suggesting that half of all Mental Health Counselors in the state earn this amount or more.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania is home to a significant number of Mental Health Counselors, with a total of 30,620 professionals employed in the state. This indicates a robust job market for individuals seeking to enter or advance in this career field.