Mental Health Counselor Salary in Virginia
Based on 18K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$59,880
$28.79/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+0.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$40K – $100K
18K employed in Virginia
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Virginia is $59,880 per year, which translates to approximately $29 per hour. This figure is slightly higher than the national average, indicating a comparable compensation landscape for mental health professionals in the state. Virginia employs a significant number of these vital practitioners, totaling over 17,900 individuals.
Several factors can influence a Mental Health Counselor salary in Virginia. Experience level, specific certifications, geographic location within the state, and the type of employer (e.g., private practice, government agency, hospital) all play a role in determining earning potential. The salary range for these professionals in Virginia spans from $39,730 to $100,040 annually.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $39,730 |
| 25th percentile | $47,390 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,880 |
| 75th percentile | $77,870 |
| 90th percentile | $100,040 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,676 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,880 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,676 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,390 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $77,870 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $100,040 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Mental Health Counselor ($59,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anesthesiologist in VA | $488,310 | +715.5% | $234.76/hr |
| Cardiologist in VA | $461,450 | +670.6% | $221.85/hr |
| Radiologist in VA | $376,270 | +528.4% | $180.90/hr |
| Surgeon in VA | $360,510 | +502.1% | $173.32/hr |
| Psychiatrist in VA | $295,010 | +392.7% | $141.83/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in VA | $282,410 | +371.6% | $135.77/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in VA | $252,110 | +321.0% | $121.21/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in VA | $222,630 | +271.8% | $107.03/hr |
| Dentist in VA | $197,110 | +229.2% | $94.76/hr |
| Pediatrician in VA | $195,940 | +227.2% | $94.20/hr |
| Pharmacist in VA | $144,060 | +140.6% | $69.26/hr |
| Physician Assistant in VA | $135,940 | +127.0% | $65.36/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Virginia?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Virginia is $59,880 annually, or about $29 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings for these professionals in the state.
What is the salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Virginia?
- The salary range for Mental Health Counselors in Virginia generally falls between $39,730 on the lower end and $100,040 on the higher end. This wide range reflects the influence of various factors on pay.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Virginia compare to the national average?
- The Mental Health Counselor salary in Virginia is approximately 0.8% higher than the national average. This indicates slightly better compensation for counselors practicing in Virginia compared to the rest of the country.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 17,940 Mental Health Counselors employed in Virginia. This substantial number highlights the demand and presence of these services within the state.