Mental Health Counselor Salary in Tennessee
Based on 9K+ workers in Tennessee
Median Annual Salary (TN)
$49,580
$23.84/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-16.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$35K – $77K
9K employed in Tennessee
The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Tennessee is approximately $49,580 per year, translating to an hourly wage of about $24. This figure is notably lower than the national average, with Tennessee counselors earning 16.5% less. With over 9,000 individuals employed in this field across the state, the demand for mental health services continues to be significant.
Several factors can influence a Mental Health Counselor salary in Tennessee. Experience levels play a crucial role, with seasoned professionals typically commanding higher pay than those just starting out. Additionally, the specific setting of employment, such as private practice, government agencies, or non-profit organizations, can impact earning potential, as can geographic location within Tennessee.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Tennessee
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,950 |
| 25th percentile | $39,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,580 |
| 75th percentile | $61,160 |
| 90th percentile | $76,620 |
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,580 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,067 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Tennessee Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,580 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $51,067 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $39,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,580 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $61,160 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $76,620 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Tennessee
How other high-demand occupations in Tennessee compare to Mental Health Counselor ($49,580 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TN | $610,080 | +1130.5% | $293.31/hr |
| Surgeon in TN | $373,510 | +653.3% | $179.57/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TN | $354,580 | +615.2% | $170.47/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TN | $330,620 | +566.8% | $158.95/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TN | $232,220 | +368.4% | $111.64/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TN | $226,830 | +357.5% | $109.05/hr |
| Dentist in TN | $215,290 | +334.2% | $103.50/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TN | $214,880 | +333.4% | $103.31/hr |
| Podiatrist in TN | $212,470 | +328.5% | $102.15/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TN | $211,450 | +326.5% | $101.66/hr |
| Pediatrician in TN | $176,210 | +255.4% | $84.72/hr |
| Optometrist in TN | $134,170 | +170.6% | $64.50/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Tennessee?
- In Tennessee, the salary range for Mental Health Counselors generally falls between $34,950 on the lower end and up to $76,620 annually. The median annual salary is $49,580, providing a central point within this spectrum.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Tennessee compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in Tennessee earn, on average, 16.5% less than their counterparts nationwide. While the median Tennessee salary is around $49,580 annually, the national median is higher, reflecting this percentage difference.
What is the hourly rate for a Mental Health Counselor in Tennessee?
- For Mental Health Counselors in Tennessee, the median hourly wage is approximately $24 per hour. This is derived from the median annual salary of $49,580, assuming a standard full-time work schedule.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Tennessee?
- There are approximately 9,040 Mental Health Counselors employed across the state of Tennessee. This indicates a substantial presence of professionals in this vital healthcare sector.