Mental Health Counselor Salary in South Carolina
Based on 6K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$52,370
$25.18/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-11.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$35K – $81K
6K employed in South Carolina
The median annual salary for a Mental Health Counselor in South Carolina is $52,370, which translates to approximately $25 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, falling about 11.8% behind.
Several factors influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in South Carolina. Experience level, specific certifications, the type of facility employing the counselor (e.g., private practice, government agency, hospital), and geographic location within the state can all contribute to variations in earning potential, with salaries typically ranging from $35,010 to $81,420.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $35,010 |
| 25th percentile | $43,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $52,370 |
| 75th percentile | $65,070 |
| 90th percentile | $81,420 |
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 South 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 South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,370 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,941 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $52,370 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $53,941 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $43,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $52,370 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,070 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $81,420 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Mental Health Counselor ($52,370 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +586.5% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +553.0% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +477.3% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +406.9% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +356.8% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +356.3% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +353.0% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +314.6% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +233.2% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +219.1% | $80.34/hr |
| Dentist in SC | $158,640 | +202.9% | $76.27/hr |
| Optometrist in SC | $145,950 | +178.7% | $70.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, Mental Health Counselors generally earn between $35,010 and $81,420 per year. The median salary sits at $52,370 annually.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?
- The average Mental Health Counselor salary in South Carolina is 11.8% lower than the national average. The median South Carolina salary is $52,370, while the national median is higher.
What is the hourly pay for a Mental Health Counselor in South Carolina?
- The hourly rate for a Mental Health Counselor in South Carolina averages around $25 per hour. This is derived from the median annual salary of $52,370.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 6,300 Mental Health Counselors employed in South Carolina. This indicates a solid job market for professionals in this field within the state.