Mental Health Counselor Salary in Rhode Island
Based on 2K+ workers in Rhode Island
Median Annual Salary (RI)
$65,120
$31.31/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+9.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$44K – $98K
2K employed in Rhode Island
The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Rhode Island is $65,120 annually, which translates to approximately $31 per hour. This figure is notably higher than the national average, indicating a strong demand and compensation for these essential professionals within the state.
Several factors influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Rhode Island, including years of experience, the specific type of facility or organization employing the counselor, and their level of education or specialization. Geolocation within Rhode Island can also play a role, with higher cost-of-living areas potentially offering higher salaries.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Rhode Island
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $43,960 |
| 25th percentile | $47,470 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $65,120 |
| 75th percentile | $79,300 |
| 90th percentile | $98,440 |
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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Rhode Island) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $65,120 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,074 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Rhode Island Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $65,120 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $67,074 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,470 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $65,120 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $79,300 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $98,440 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Rhode Island
How other high-demand occupations in Rhode Island compare to Mental Health Counselor ($65,120 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in RI | $512,730 | +687.4% | $246.50/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in RI | $467,160 | +617.4% | $224.60/hr |
| Cardiologist in RI | $395,610 | +507.5% | $190.20/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in RI | $379,490 | +482.8% | $182.45/hr |
| Psychiatrist in RI | $287,610 | +341.7% | $138.27/hr |
| Pediatrician in RI | $218,080 | +234.9% | $104.85/hr |
| Surgeon in RI | $199,990 | +207.1% | $96.15/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in RI | $166,390 | +155.5% | $80.00/hr |
| Dentist in RI | $161,560 | +148.1% | $77.67/hr |
| Podiatrist in RI | $159,760 | +145.3% | $76.81/hr |
| Physician Assistant in RI | $139,930 | +114.9% | $67.27/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in RI | $135,970 | +108.8% | $65.37/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Rhode Island?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Rhode Island is $65,120 per year. This means half of Mental Health Counselors in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the typical salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Rhode Island?
- In Rhode Island, Mental Health Counselors can expect their salaries to fall between $43,960 on the lower end and $98,440 on the higher end. This wide range reflects varying levels of experience and specialization.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Rhode Island compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in Rhode Island earn approximately 9.7% more than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these services and the cost of living may contribute to higher compensation in the state.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Rhode Island?
- There are approximately 2,170 Mental Health Counselors employed in Rhode Island. This number provides context for the market size and potential job availability for professionals in this field.