Mental Health Counselor Average Salary & Hourly Rate in 2025
Mental health counselor salary depends on experience, location, licensure, and work setting, such as private practice or mental health centers. Understanding these factors, along with current market trends, is critical for mental health professionals who aim to maximize their earning potential and advance in their counseling career.
As of October 1, 2025, the average salary for mental health counselors in the United States is $64,440, according to Salary.com. This salary guide explores the main drivers of mental health counselor pays, reviews current trends, and provides insights into what professional counselors can expect in the evolving job market for mental health counseling.
An Overview of Mental Health Counselor Salaries
The average mental health counselor salary in the United States is $64,440 per year, or $31 per hour, based on data from Salary.com. Salaries for mental health counselors generally range from $54,735 to $79,762 annually, with most counselors earning between $59,360 and $72,460. These figures reflect the national average for licensed mental health counselors, including clinical mental health counselors, behavioral disorder counselors, and those specializing in substance abuse or family therapy.
| Percentile | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10% Percentile | $54,735 |
| 25% Percentile | $59,360 |
| 50% Percentile (Median) | $64,440 |
| 75% Percentile | $72,460 |
| 90% Percentile | $79,762 |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that salaries for mental health counselors vary by industry. For example, those working in hospitals tend to earn the highest wages, averaging $61,930 annually, while those employed in residential mental health and substance abuse facilities earn comparatively less at $49,610.
- Hospitals (state, local, and private): $61,930
- Offices of other health practitioners: $59,570
- Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers: $58,200
- Individual and family services: $57,080
- Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities: $49,610
Mental Health Counselor Salary: Hourly, Weekly, Monthly, and Yearly Breakdown
Mental health counselor salaries can be broken down by hour, week, month, or year to aid in financial planning. Based on the provided data, the average mental health counselor salary in the United States is $31 per hour, $1,239 per week, and $5,370 per month.
- Hourly: $31
- Weekly: $1,239
- Monthly: $5,370
- Yearly: $64,440
Salaries depend on factors like licensure, experience, education (e.g., master's degree in counseling or psychology), and geographic location. The next sections explore these factors in detail.
How Experience Impacts Mental Health Counselor Salaries
Experience significantly influences mental health counselor salaries in the United States. As counselors gain supervised clinical experience and develop expertise in addressing mental health issues, behavioral disorders, or substance abuse, their earning potential increases. According to the provided data, entry-level mental health counselors earn about $62,670, while those with over eight years of experience average $67,070 annually.
- Entry-Level Mental Health Counselor (< 1 year): $62,670
- Early Career Mental Health Counselor (1-2 years): $63,072
- Mid-Level Mental Health Counselor (2-4 years): $63,636
- Senior-Level Mental Health Counselor (5-8 years): $64,679
- Expert-Level Mental Health Counselor (> 8 years): $67,070
State-by-State Breakdown of Average Salaries for Mental Health Counselors
Mental health counselor salaries vary across states, influenced by cost of living, demand for mental health professionals, and licensure requirements. Most states require a master's degree and a state license, which includes completing supervised experience, to practice as a licensed mental health counselor.
Recent data shows that the District of Columbia offers the highest annual wage at $71,350, followed by California at $71,080 and Washington at $69,870. Lower-paying states include Mississippi ($57,470) and Arkansas ($58,220).
| State/Territory | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $59,200 |
| Alaska | $69,760 |
| Arizona | $62,790 |
| Arkansas | $58,220 |
| California | $71,080 |
| Colorado | $65,750 |
| Connecticut | $68,870 |
| Delaware | $65,260 |
| District of Columbia | $71,350 |
| Florida | $60,970 |
| Georgia | $62,150 |
| Hawaii | $67,350 |
| Idaho | $60,160 |
| Illinois | $65,680 |
| Indiana | $61,860 |
| Iowa | $61,670 |
| Kansas | $61,360 |
| Kentucky | $60,640 |
| Louisiana | $61,270 |
| Maine | $62,830 |
| Maryland | $66,440 |
| Massachusetts | $70,130 |
| Michigan | $63,460 |
| Minnesota | $65,940 |
| Mississippi | $57,470 |
| Missouri | $61,220 |
| Montana | $60,840 |
| Nebraska | $60,710 |
| Nevada | $63,780 |
| New Hampshire | $65,140 |
| New Jersey | $69,850 |
| New Mexico | $59,680 |
| New York | $68,510 |
| North Carolina | $61,240 |
| North Dakota | $63,650 |
| Ohio | $62,750 |
| Oklahoma | $59,580 |
| Oregon | $65,440 |
| Pennsylvania | $64,150 |
| Rhode Island | $66,810 |
| South Carolina | $60,380 |
| South Dakota | $58,560 |
| Tennessee | $60,220 |
| Texas | $62,850 |
| Utah | $61,710 |
| Vermont | $63,250 |
| Virginia | $64,890 |
| Washington | $69,870 |
| West Virginia | $58,030 |
| Wisconsin | $63,390 |
| Wyoming | $61,800 |
Mental Health Counselor Salaries: Top Earning Cities Revealed
Salaries for mental health counselors also vary by city, with metropolitan areas offering higher pay due to demand and cost of living. The highest-paying cities include San Jose, CA ($81,280), San Francisco, CA ($80,480), and Oakland, CA ($78,690).
| City, State | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $81,280 |
| San Francisco, CA | $80,480 |
| Oakland, CA | $78,690 |
| New York, NY | $74,680 |
| Queens Village, NY | $74,200 |
Explore Mental Health Counselor Benefits and Perks Beyond Salary
In addition to base pay, mental health counselors often receive benefits that enhance their total compensation. The provided data estimates total compensation at $86,595 annually, including:
- Social Security: $4,705 (5.4%)
- 401k/403b: $2,891 (3.3%)
- Disability: $492 (0.6%)
- Healthcare: $6,056 (7.0%)
- Pension: $3,383 (3.9%)
- Time Off: $7,569 (8.7%)
Mental Health Counselor Job Description: Roles and Responsibilities
Mental health counselors play a critical role in supporting clients' well-being by addressing mental health challenges, behavioral disorders, substance abuse, and relationship issues. They work in settings like mental health centers, private practice, hospitals, or schools, developing treatment plans and providing support to specific populations, such as individuals, families, or those with addiction issues.
Key job duties:
- Conducting psychosocial assessments to evaluate mental health issues
- Developing and implementing treatment plans for behavioral disorders and mental health conditions
- Providing counseling through individual, group, or family therapy
- Collaborating with other mental health professionals, such as marriage and family therapists or social workers
- Maintaining client records and ensuring confidentiality
- Guiding clients toward improved well-being through therapeutic interventions
The role typically requires a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field, followed by a master's degree in counseling or clinical mental health counseling.
When and How to Ask for a Raise as a Mental Health Counselor?
If you're a mental health counselor seeking a raise, strategic timing and preparation can strengthen your case.
- Show Your Value: Highlight your contributions, such as developing effective treatment plans, improving client outcomes, or specializing in high-demand areas like substance abuse or family therapy. Connect your work to organizational goals, such as increased client retention.
- Choose the Right Time: Request a raise after achieving licensure, completing a significant case, or during performance reviews. Avoid busy periods, such as crisis intervention seasons.
- Set Up a Formal Meeting: Schedule a dedicated discussion with your supervisor to present your case professionally.
- Back Up Your Request: Use salary data for mental health counselors in your area. As of October 1, 2025, the national average is $64,440, with higher salaries in states like California ($71,080) and cities like San Jose ($81,280). Combine this with evidence of your impact, such as positive client feedback.
Why Does a Mental Health Counselor Manager Make So Much?
Unlike general advisors or career counselors who provide broad guidance, mental health counselors work with individuals facing complex emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges. Their role requires advanced education-typically a master's degree, extensive supervised clinical experience, and state licensure-all of which contribute to their higher earning potential. They also handle sensitive cases involving trauma, substance abuse, and relationship issues, demanding both emotional resilience and professional expertise.
In addition, certain specialized skills can significantly boost their pay. According to Salary.com report, counselors proficient in Knowledge of Psychology earn about 12.69% more, while those skilled in Psychosocial Assessments (+10.28%), Emotional Support (+10.09%), Patient Safety (+9.88%), Group Therapy (+9.74%), and Therapeutic Interventions (+9.38%) also command higher salaries. These figures highlight how advanced skills and specialization directly influence compensation in the mental health field.
- Knowledge of Psychology: +12.69%
- Psychosocial Assessments: +10.28%
- Emotional Support: +10.09%
- Patient Safety: +9.88%
- Group Therapy: +9.74%
- Therapeutic Interventions: +9.38%
The Future of Mental Health Counselor: Job Outlook and Career Trends
The job outlook for mental health counselors remains highly promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 17% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. This significant increase reflects a growing recognition of the importance of mental health care and expanded access to services through healthcare reforms and insurance coverage.
An estimated 48,300 job openings are projected annually, driven by both new positions and the need to replace professionals leaving the field or retiring. Mental health counselors work in a variety of settings, including community and mental health centers, outpatient and residential facilities, and private practice. The rise of telehealth services and community-based counseling programs continues to open new opportunities, particularly for professionals specializing in addiction recovery, family counseling, and behavioral therapy.
