Mental Health Counselor Salary in Washington
Based on 14K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$68,910
$33.13/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
+16.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $111K
14K employed in Washington
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Washington is $68,910 annually, or $33 per hour. This figure is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting a 16.0% increase. With a substantial 14,250 individuals employed in this role, Washington offers a robust landscape for mental health professionals.
Several factors can influence a Mental Health Counselor salary in Washington. Experience level plays a crucial role, with more seasoned professionals typically earning more. Geographic location within the state, specific employer type (e.g., private practice, hospital, government agency), and specialization can also impact earning potential. These variables contribute to the broad salary range observed, from $47,220 to $110,580.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $47,220 |
| 25th percentile | $56,280 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $68,910 |
| 75th percentile | $90,970 |
| 90th percentile | $110,580 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $68,910 |
| 2026 (projected) | $70,977 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $68,910 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $70,977 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,280 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $68,910 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $90,970 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $110,580 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Mental Health Counselor ($68,910 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in WA | $656,330 | +852.4% | $315.54/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in WA | $499,990 | +625.6% | $240.38/hr |
| Surgeon in WA | $479,460 | +595.8% | $230.51/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WA | $380,870 | +452.7% | $183.11/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WA | $343,140 | +398.0% | $164.97/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in WA | $340,010 | +393.4% | $163.47/hr |
| Psychiatrist in WA | $304,920 | +342.5% | $146.60/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WA | $292,900 | +325.0% | $140.82/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WA | $274,390 | +298.2% | $131.92/hr |
| Podiatrist in WA | $232,970 | +238.1% | $112.00/hr |
| Dentist in WA | $169,730 | +146.3% | $81.60/hr |
| Pediatrician in WA | $169,540 | +146.0% | $81.51/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Washington?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in Washington is $68,910 per year. This translates to an hourly wage of approximately $33.
What is the typical salary range for a Mental Health Counselor in Washington?
- Mental Health Counselors in Washington can expect to earn between $47,220 and $110,580 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, location, and employer.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in Washington compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselors in Washington earn 16.0% more than the national average. The median salary of $68,910 in Washington is notably higher than the national median.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 14,250 Mental Health Counselors currently employed in Washington. This indicates a strong demand and a significant number of opportunities within the state.