Mental Health Counselor Salary in West Virginia
Based on 2K+ workers in West Virginia
Median Annual Salary (WV)
$49,430
$23.76/hr
vs National Average
$59,385
-16.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$37K – $73K
2K employed in West Virginia
The median Mental Health Counselor salary in West Virginia is $49,430 per year, which translates to approximately $24 per hour. This figure is notably lower than the national average, sitting 16.8% below it. Currently, around 2,100 individuals are employed in this profession across the state.
Several factors can influence a Mental Health Counselor salary in West Virginia. Experience level plays a significant role, with entry-level positions often starting closer to the lower end of the range, around $36,990. Conversely, experienced counselors with specialized skills or those in leadership roles may earn up to $73,360 annually.
Salary Distribution — Mental Health Counselor in West Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $36,990 |
| 25th percentile | $42,730 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $49,430 |
| 75th percentile | $61,560 |
| 90th percentile | $73,360 |
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 West 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 West Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (West Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,430 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,913 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | West Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,430 | $59,385 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,913 | $61,167 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level in West Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $42,730 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $49,430 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $61,560 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $73,360 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary in Other States
Related Mental Health Counselor Salaries in West Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in West Virginia compare to Mental Health Counselor ($49,430 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Mental Health Counselor | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medicine Physician in WV | $491,230 | +893.8% | $236.17/hr |
| Radiologist in WV | $471,650 | +854.2% | $226.75/hr |
| Surgeon in WV | $468,210 | +847.2% | $225.10/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in WV | $300,810 | +508.6% | $144.62/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in WV | $278,530 | +463.5% | $133.91/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in WV | $272,680 | +451.6% | $131.10/hr |
| Podiatrist in WV | $207,000 | +318.8% | $99.52/hr |
| Dentist in WV | $170,370 | +244.7% | $81.91/hr |
| Pediatrician in WV | $158,470 | +220.6% | $76.19/hr |
| Pharmacist in WV | $133,430 | +169.9% | $64.15/hr |
| Veterinarian in WV | $128,990 | +161.0% | $62.01/hr |
| Physician Assistant in WV | $128,610 | +160.2% | $61.83/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Mental Health Counselor in West Virginia?
- The median salary for a Mental Health Counselor in West Virginia is $49,430 per year. This means half of all counselors in the state earn more than this, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for Mental Health Counselors in West Virginia?
- The salary for Mental Health Counselors in West Virginia typically falls between $36,990 and $73,360 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and specific employer.
How does the Mental Health Counselor salary in West Virginia compare to the national average?
- Mental Health Counselor salaries in West Virginia are 16.8% lower than the national average. The median West Virginia salary of $49,430 is considerably less than the national median.
How many Mental Health Counselors are employed in West Virginia?
- There are approximately 2,100 Mental Health Counselors employed in West Virginia. This provides a sense of the market size for this profession within the state.