Mental Health Counselor Salary in Texas
Based on 21K+ workers in Texas
Median Annual Salary (TX)
$62,630
$30.11/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+5.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $96K
21K employed in Texas
The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Texas is $62,630 per year, which equates to roughly $30 per hour. This figure is 5.5% higher than the national average for the profession. With over 21,400 individuals employed in this role across the state, Texas offers a substantial job market for mental health professionals.
Several factors can influence the Mental Health Counselor salary in Texas. These include the counselor's level of experience, specific certifications or specializations they hold, the type of facility they work for (e.g., private practice, hospital, non-profit), and the geographic location within Texas, as urban areas often command higher salaries than rural ones.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Texas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $37,650 |
| 25th percentile | $45,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $62,630 |
| 75th percentile | $79,200 |
| 90th percentile | $95,910 |
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 Texas 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 Texas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Texas) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,630 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,509 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Texas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,630 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $64,509 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Texas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $45,290 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $62,630 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $79,200 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $95,910 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Texas
How other high-demand occupations in Texas compare to Mental Health Counselor ($62,630 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in TX | $410,150 | +554.9% | $197.19/hr |
| Radiologist in TX | $319,320 | +409.9% | $153.52/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in TX | $316,830 | +405.9% | $152.32/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in TX | $271,960 | +334.2% | $130.75/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in TX | $269,110 | +329.7% | $129.38/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in TX | $244,990 | +291.2% | $117.78/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in TX | $235,710 | +276.4% | $113.32/hr |
| Psychiatrist in TX | $228,460 | +264.8% | $109.84/hr |
| Surgeon in TX | $222,820 | +255.8% | $107.13/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in TX | $215,230 | +243.7% | $103.48/hr |
| Podiatrist in TX | $175,520 | +180.2% | $84.38/hr |
| Pediatrician in TX | $173,360 | +176.8% | $83.35/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Texas?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Texas typically falls between $37,650 and $95,910 annually. The median salary sits at $62,630 per year.
How does the average Mental Health Counselor salary in Texas compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in Texas earn approximately 5.5% more than the national average. This means that while the national median might be lower, Texas offers a competitive compensation landscape for these professionals.
Is $62,630 a good starting salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Texas?
- While $62,630 is the median salary, many entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the range, which is $37,650. Experienced counselors can earn significantly more, upwards of $95,910.
What are the hourly wages for Mental Health Counselors in Texas?
- Based on the median annual salary of $62,630, Mental Health Counselors in Texas can expect to earn around $30 per hour. This hourly rate can vary based on experience and employer.