Mental health counselor salary
BLS occupation: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors · also called substance abuse counselor, LPC · Community and social service · data for May 2025
Median salary $59,350 a year, US
Median hourly pay $28.53 an hour
Middle half earn $47,100–$76,530 25th to 75th percentile
Mental health counselors employed 491,930 +18.4% projected by 2035
How much does a mental health counselor make?
- The median mental health counselor salary in the US is $59,350 a year ($28.53 an hour): half of the 491,930 mental health counselors BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $64,440.
- The middle half earn between $47,100 and $76,530. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $38,940 and the top 10% more than $97,590.
- That is 16% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Alaska pays mental health counselors the most (median $80,770), followed by Oregon ($74,590) and New Mexico ($74,100). Louisiana pays the least ($37,910).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in New Mexico, where the median is worth $80,358 in typical US prices, then Alaska and North Dakota. Alaska's higher pay is offset by its prices (102.4 vs a US average of 100).
- In 150 of the 382 metro areas with data, the median mental health counselor salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of mental health counselors to grow 18.4% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 50,500 openings a year. The typical entry education is a master's degree.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what mental health counselors are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Mental health counselor salary range
Half of mental health counselors earn between $47,100 and $76,530 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $38,940
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $47,100
Median Yearly pay: $59,350
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $76,530
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $97,590
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $38,940 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $47,100 |
| Median | $59,350 |
| Top 25% earn over | $76,530 |
| Top 10% earn over | $97,590 |
Mental health counselor salary by state
Alaska pays mental health counselors the most; Louisiana the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($59,350), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Alaska | $80,770 median |
| Oregon | $74,590 median |
| New Mexico | $74,100 median |
| Washington | $68,910 median |
| North Dakota | $68,630 median |
| Arizona | $65,300 median |
| Rhode Island | $65,120 median |
| Utah | $63,890 median |
| Nebraska | $63,770 median |
| Connecticut | $63,590 median |
| Idaho | $63,360 median |
| Wyoming | $62,980 median |
| New Jersey | $62,820 median |
| Texas | $62,630 median |
| Colorado | $62,390 median |
| Wisconsin | $62,220 median |
| Vermont | $61,810 median |
| Michigan | $61,690 median |
| Iowa | $60,880 median |
| Illinois | $60,730 median |
| District of Columbia | $60,450 median |
| Hawaii | $60,090 median |
| Maine | $59,970 median |
| Massachusetts | $59,890 median |
| Virginia | $59,880 median |
| Maryland | $59,530 median |
| Kansas | $59,470 median |
| New York | $59,450 median |
| Oklahoma | $59,350 median |
| California | $59,250 median |
| Montana | $59,000 median |
| Georgia | $58,960 median |
| Minnesota | $58,780 median |
| Ohio | $58,360 median |
| Nevada | $57,210 median |
| Missouri | $56,910 median |
| Florida | $56,790 median |
| Delaware | $56,020 median |
| North Carolina | $55,490 median |
| New Hampshire | $54,840 median |
| Kentucky | $54,190 median |
| Indiana | $53,760 median |
| South Dakota | $53,650 median |
| South Carolina | $52,370 median |
| Pennsylvania | $52,010 median |
| Arkansas | $51,580 median |
| Tennessee | $49,580 median |
| West Virginia | $49,430 median |
| Alabama | $47,310 median |
| Mississippi | $46,990 median |
| Louisiana | $37,910 median |
Where mental health counselor pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Mental health counselors' pay goes furthest in New Mexico once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| New Mexico | $80,358 |
| Alaska | $78,909 |
| North Dakota | $77,148 |
| Oregon | $72,165 |
| Nebraska | $70,775 |
| Iowa | $69,369 |
| Wyoming | $67,946 |
| Oklahoma | $67,564 |
| Idaho | $66,350 |
| Wisconsin | $66,125 |
Mental health counselor pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $80,770 | $38.83 | $58,240 | $114,650 | 1,290 | $78,909 |
| Oregon | $74,590 | $35.86 | $49,860 | $102,830 | 8,160 | $72,165 |
| New Mexico | $74,100 | $35.63 | $48,900 | $113,420 | 2,420 | $80,358 |
| Washington | $68,910 | $33.13 | $47,220 | $110,580 | 14,250 | $64,394 |
| North Dakota | $68,630 | $33.00 | $43,270 | $86,630 | 1,290 | $77,148 |
| Arizona | $65,300 | $31.39 | $44,520 | $95,210 | 9,990 | $64,861 |
| Rhode Island | $65,120 | $31.31 | $43,960 | $98,440 | 2,170 | $63,668 |
| Utah | $63,890 | $30.72 | $35,410 | $106,080 | 6,320 | $64,624 |
| Nebraska | $63,770 | $30.66 | $42,400 | $109,610 | 2,170 | $70,775 |
| Connecticut | $63,590 | $30.57 | $44,080 | $99,540 | 7,540 | $61,374 |
| Idaho | $63,360 | $30.46 | $36,400 | $98,760 | 2,990 | $66,350 |
| Wyoming | $62,980 | $30.28 | $36,960 | $103,150 | 910 | $67,946 |
| New Jersey | $62,820 | $30.20 | $40,630 | $104,310 | 14,210 | $57,736 |
| Texas | $62,630 | $30.11 | $37,650 | $95,910 | 21,400 | $64,529 |
| Colorado | $62,390 | $30.00 | $44,060 | $100,020 | 14,920 | $60,542 |
| Wisconsin | $62,220 | $29.91 | $46,510 | $94,640 | 8,340 | $66,125 |
| Vermont | $61,810 | $29.72 | $47,820 | $80,690 | 1,120 | $63,098 |
| Michigan | $61,690 | $29.66 | $38,490 | $94,400 | 10,100 | $64,115 |
| Iowa | $60,880 | $29.27 | $44,450 | $102,890 | 3,530 | $69,369 |
| Illinois | $60,730 | $29.20 | $43,010 | $109,100 | 20,250 | $60,756 |
| District of Columbia | $60,450 | $29.06 | $43,060 | $107,980 | 1,260 | $55,004 |
| Hawaii | $60,090 | $28.89 | $48,460 | $104,790 | 2,110 | $54,652 |
| Maine | $59,970 | $28.83 | $43,310 | $89,220 | 1,930 | $61,793 |
| Massachusetts | $59,890 | $28.79 | $43,180 | $96,200 | 18,190 | $56,630 |
| Virginia | $59,880 | $28.79 | $39,730 | $100,040 | 17,940 | $59,226 |
| Maryland | $59,530 | $28.62 | $44,050 | $91,980 | 9,730 | $56,717 |
| Kansas | $59,470 | $28.59 | $37,910 | $85,860 | 2,600 | $66,028 |
| New York | $59,450 | $28.58 | $42,410 | $90,590 | 26,770 | $55,087 |
| Oklahoma | $59,350 | $28.53 | $35,350 | $92,870 | 5,150 | $67,564 |
| California | $59,250 | $28.49 | $44,640 | $111,080 | 75,610 | $53,513 |
| Montana | $59,000 | $28.37 | $36,840 | $83,640 | 1,820 | $62,338 |
| Georgia | $58,960 | $28.35 | $37,390 | $90,980 | 9,600 | $61,230 |
| Minnesota | $58,780 | $28.26 | $45,250 | $77,320 | 7,110 | $59,602 |
| Ohio | $58,360 | $28.06 | $39,010 | $83,730 | 18,020 | $62,906 |
| Nevada | $57,210 | $27.50 | $42,920 | $98,010 | 1,810 | $57,222 |
| Missouri | $56,910 | $27.36 | $37,650 | $89,400 | 8,130 | $62,664 |
| Florida | $56,790 | $27.30 | $39,430 | $84,410 | 29,750 | $54,915 |
| Delaware | $56,020 | $26.93 | $36,940 | $80,710 | 1,700 | $56,128 |
| North Carolina | $55,490 | $26.68 | $37,440 | $86,010 | 10,300 | $58,828 |
| New Hampshire | $54,840 | $26.37 | $38,480 | $81,050 | 3,690 | $52,647 |
| Kentucky | $54,190 | $26.05 | $35,150 | $83,070 | 7,690 | $60,105 |
| Indiana | $53,760 | $25.85 | $37,580 | $83,200 | 11,890 | $57,603 |
| South Dakota | $53,650 | $25.79 | $39,210 | $67,010 | 1,710 | $60,563 |
| South Carolina | $52,370 | $25.18 | $35,010 | $81,420 | 6,300 | $55,862 |
| Pennsylvania | $52,010 | $25.00 | $36,280 | $81,970 | 30,620 | $53,304 |
| Arkansas | $51,580 | $24.80 | $35,760 | $100,270 | 2,570 | $59,330 |
| Tennessee | $49,580 | $23.84 | $34,950 | $76,620 | 9,040 | $53,968 |
| West Virginia | $49,430 | $23.76 | $36,990 | $73,360 | 2,100 | $55,231 |
| Alabama | $47,310 | $22.75 | $34,420 | $76,510 | – | $53,263 |
| Mississippi | $46,990 | $22.59 | $32,770 | $77,310 | 2,090 | $54,041 |
| Louisiana | $37,910 | $18.23 | $29,860 | $65,720 | 6,420 | $42,978 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Mental health counselor salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes mental health counselor pay: 386 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Fairbanks, AK $83,680
- Anchorage, AK $81,120
- San Luis Obispo, CA $80,770
- Albany, OR $78,910
- Salem, OR $78,870
- Bellingham, WA $77,620
- Lincoln, NE $76,480
- Las Cruces, NM $76,350
- Corvallis, OR $75,700
- Bend, OR $75,470
Where the pay goes furthest
- Las Cruces, NM $84,634
- Lincoln, NE $83,511
- Farmington, NM $83,311
- Brownsville, TX $81,151
- Fairbanks, AK $81,079
- Midland, MI $79,906
- Niles, MI $79,247
- Ames, IA $78,521
- Bismarck, ND $77,793
- Enid, OK $77,561
All 386 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairbanks, AK | $83,680 | 100 | $81,079 | 26% |
| Anchorage, AK | $81,120 | 810 | $76,949 | 28% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $80,770 | 350 | $74,377 | 42% |
| Albany, OR | $78,910 | 110 | $77,287 | 25% |
| Salem, OR | $78,870 | 560 | $76,093 | 25% |
| Bellingham, WA | $77,620 | 440 | $75,116 | 30% |
| Lincoln, NE | $76,480 | 560 | $83,511 | 20% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $76,350 | 310 | $84,634 | 23% |
| Corvallis, OR | $75,700 | 170 | $72,777 | 29% |
| Bend, OR | $75,470 | 590 | $72,843 | 35% |
| Portland, OR | $75,420 | 4,640 | $71,542 | 29% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $75,180 | 120 | $72,389 | 28% |
| Boulder, CO | $75,020 | 620 | $71,310 | 35% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $74,100 | 180 | $75,025 | 32% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $73,990 | 1,280 | $77,439 | 24% |
| Salinas, CA | $73,940 | 620 | $67,809 | 45% |
| El Centro, CA | $73,620 | 220 | $77,353 | 29% |
| Seattle, WA | $73,580 | 7,350 | $66,209 | 37% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $73,550 | 140 | $75,235 | 26% |
| Kennewick, WA | $73,540 | 450 | $73,482 | 28% |
| Midland, MI | $73,450 | 130 | $79,906 | 23% |
| Niles, MI | $73,200 | 80 | $79,247 | 23% |
| Farmington, NM | $73,070 | 120 | $83,311 | 23% |
| Hanford, CA | $72,960 | 190 | $71,803 | 32% |
| Stockton, CA | $72,770 | 1,260 | $69,246 | 40% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $72,630 | 310 | $76,929 | 24% |
| Logan, UT | $72,580 | 170 | $75,662 | 24% |
| San Jose, CA | $72,550 | 2,550 | $65,702 | 63% |
| St. George, UT | $72,510 | 440 | $74,506 | 31% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $71,120 | 900 | $70,327 | 33% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $70,970 | 250 | $69,278 | 37% |
| Bismarck, ND | $70,810 | 360 | $77,793 | 22% |
| Brownsville, TX | $69,770 | 340 | $81,151 | 26% |
| Ames, IA | $69,750 | 130 | $78,521 | 20% |
| Ogden, UT | $69,590 | 1,070 | $69,348 | 28% |
| Lewiston, ID | $69,200 | 90 | $75,910 | 26% |
| Muskegon, MI | $69,090 | 170 | $74,677 | 22% |
| Medford, OR | $68,990 | 340 | $68,015 | 32% |
| San Francisco, CA | $68,400 | 9,520 | $59,163 | 60% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $68,370 | 140 | $75,513 | 20% |
| Champaign, IL | $68,300 | 310 | $73,675 | 24% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $68,160 | 100 | $69,185 | 26% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $68,140 | 1,030 | $63,763 | 51% |
| Olympia, WA | $67,650 | 610 | $65,255 | 36% |
| Amarillo, TX | $67,630 | 170 | $73,655 | 23% |
| Lansing, MI | $67,510 | 790 | $71,070 | 23% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $67,450 | 300 | $72,582 | 23% |
| Houston, TX | $67,370 | 5,050 | $68,306 | 29% |
| Vallejo, CA | $66,940 | 670 | $61,708 | 44% |
| Iowa City, IA | $66,810 | 290 | $73,009 | 32% |
| Austin, TX | $66,780 | 2,930 | $68,097 | 29% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $66,750 | 370 | $70,382 | 23% |
| Burlington, VT | $66,540 | 370 | $65,914 | 47% |
| Waterbury, CT | $66,060 | 910 | $66,207 | – |
| Phoenix, AZ | $66,020 | 7,950 | $63,901 | 31% |
| Carson City, NV | $66,000 | 40 | $67,258 | 38% |
| Trenton, NJ | $65,940 | 1,370 | $63,908 | 46% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $65,440 | 320 | $64,869 | 35% |
| McAllen, TX | $65,370 | 420 | $76,105 | 21% |
| Enid, OK | $65,360 | 60 | $77,561 | 20% |
| Yuma, AZ | $65,300 | 90 | $70,438 | 26% |
| Washington, DC | $65,270 | 9,030 | $59,945 | 44% |
| Eugene, OR | $65,220 | 1,040 | $64,213 | 33% |
| Longview, WA | $65,140 | 270 | $66,779 | 26% |
| Ithaca, NY | $65,010 | 200 | $62,923 | 37% |
| Bozeman, MT | $64,990 | 160 | $63,399 | 41% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $64,950 | 60 | $72,779 | 24% |
| Oxnard, CA | $64,910 | 1,330 | $58,724 | 55% |
| Janesville, WI | $64,560 | 230 | $68,899 | 24% |
| Norwich, CT | $64,450 | 500 | $64,164 | 39% |
| Lawrence, KS | $64,370 | 170 | $71,330 | 29% |
| Madison, WI | $64,250 | 1,500 | $66,042 | 33% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $64,100 | 1,130 | $67,088 | 30% |
| Spokane, WA | $64,100 | 1,650 | $63,879 | 28% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $63,980 | 870 | $59,359 | 50% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $63,820 | 140 | $63,339 | 38% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $63,820 | 150 | $67,884 | 25% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $63,560 | 160 | $63,354 | 40% |
| San Angelo, TX | $63,560 | 70 | $68,748 | 25% |
| Vineland, NJ | $63,560 | 260 | $66,230 | 31% |
| Mankato, MN | $63,460 | 500 | $69,771 | 23% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $63,360 | 220 | $64,460 | 35% |
| Waterloo, IA | $63,230 | 130 | $72,631 | 19% |
| New Haven, CT | $63,110 | 1,430 | $60,358 | 39% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $63,100 | 2,720 | $62,557 | 31% |
| Helena, MT | $63,060 | 160 | $65,911 | 31% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $63,010 | 860 | $57,915 | 62% |
| Denver, CO | $62,810 | 8,480 | $59,377 | 36% |
| Chico, CA | $62,780 | 380 | $62,037 | 30% |
| Kahului, HI | $62,760 | 210 | $57,371 | 61% |
| Modesto, CA | $62,700 | 1,390 | $60,226 | 40% |
| Sherman, TX | $62,700 | 80 | $66,865 | 26% |
| Napa, CA | $62,580 | 240 | $55,600 | 56% |
| Dallas, TX | $62,560 | 5,000 | $60,685 | 32% |
| El Paso, TX | $62,510 | 760 | $69,524 | 29% |
| Visalia, CA | $62,500 | 710 | $62,610 | 33% |
| La Crosse, WI | $62,460 | 330 | $68,062 | 26% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $62,410 | 160 | $64,680 | 29% |
| Portland, ME | $62,300 | 700 | $61,164 | 44% |
| Casper, WY | $62,250 | 180 | $66,344 | 28% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $62,190 | 130 | $67,861 | 22% |
| Boston, MA | $62,130 | 11,150 | $57,386 | 58% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $62,070 | 120 | $69,342 | 25% |
| Yuba City, CA | $62,030 | 270 | $59,511 | 39% |
| Traverse City, MI | $61,990 | 130 | $66,390 | 36% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $61,960 | 2,360 | $63,918 | 30% |
| Barnstable, MA | $61,880 | 440 | $62,918 | 50% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $61,870 | 190 | $67,171 | 30% |
| Pocatello, ID | $61,860 | 210 | $69,579 | 21% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $61,830 | 260 | $65,158 | 33% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $61,810 | 220 | $66,608 | 22% |
| Boise, ID | $61,730 | 1,580 | $62,739 | 37% |
| Chicago, IL | $61,600 | 15,580 | $59,462 | 42% |
| Hartford, CT | $61,400 | 3,230 | $59,759 | 39% |
| Des Moines, IA | $61,320 | 920 | $66,869 | 25% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $61,260 | 2,030 | $61,578 | 33% |
| Tucson, AZ | $61,250 | 1,240 | $63,212 | 29% |
| Wausau, WI | $61,240 | 250 | $66,098 | 19% |
| North Port, FL | $61,200 | 740 | $59,756 | 41% |
| Topeka, KS | $61,100 | 300 | $68,791 | 25% |
| Sacramento, CA | $61,050 | 4,360 | $57,233 | 45% |
| New York, NY | $61,020 | 26,200 | $54,210 | 70% |
| Dover, DE | $60,990 | 220 | $62,549 | 35% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $60,970 | 180 | $70,353 | 22% |
| Detroit, MI | $60,890 | 4,290 | $60,709 | 30% |
| Atlanta, GA | $60,880 | 5,880 | $60,845 | 36% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $60,880 | 180 | $60,562 | 36% |
| Elkhart, IN | $60,830 | 120 | $67,346 | 23% |
| Laredo, TX | $60,780 | 110 | $69,897 | 22% |
| Merced, CA | $60,780 | 420 | $61,847 | 41% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $60,770 | 4,160 | $57,974 | 34% |
| Kansas City, MO | $60,690 | 2,470 | $65,580 | 30% |
| Omaha, NE | $60,650 | 1,140 | $65,988 | 28% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $60,580 | 220 | $61,656 | 37% |
| Davenport, IA | $60,430 | 600 | $67,839 | 20% |
| Michigan City, IN | $60,430 | 100 | $65,913 | 24% |
| Appleton, WI | $60,380 | 480 | $65,333 | 24% |
| Grand Island, NE | $60,320 | 100 | $69,608 | 27% |
| Kenosha, WI | $60,300 | 170 | $59,633 | – |
| Sioux City, IA | $60,240 | 200 | $69,679 | 26% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $60,220 | 780 | $67,388 | 26% |
| Monroe, MI | $60,170 | 110 | $64,358 | 25% |
| Fargo, ND | $60,130 | 610 | $66,171 | 22% |
| Minot, ND | $60,130 | 120 | $69,093 | 25% |
| Bremerton, WA | $60,070 | 520 | $56,881 | 41% |
| Kingston, NY | $60,040 | 210 | $59,617 | 40% |
| Akron, OH | $60,030 | 1,070 | $64,293 | 26% |
| Rochester, MN | $60,010 | 270 | $66,075 | 32% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $59,990 | 410 | $67,433 | 25% |
| Bangor, ME | $59,970 | 350 | $62,140 | 30% |
| Green Bay, WI | $59,930 | 510 | $64,381 | 22% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $59,800 | 60 | $63,551 | 31% |
| Racine, WI | $59,800 | 110 | $62,317 | 29% |
| Dayton, OH | $59,790 | 1,090 | $64,503 | 26% |
| Fresno, CA | $59,790 | 2,150 | $58,527 | 41% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $59,740 | 2,230 | $59,321 | 35% |
| Beaumont, TX | $59,680 | 220 | $66,277 | 26% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $59,660 | 1,970 | $65,990 | 28% |
| Cleveland, OH | $59,630 | 2,860 | $63,488 | 29% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $59,620 | 1,730 | $59,096 | 37% |
| Rochester, NY | $59,620 | 1,380 | $61,442 | 31% |
| Raleigh, NC | $59,600 | 1,400 | $60,719 | 34% |
| Greeley, CO | $59,580 | 410 | $59,475 | 34% |
| Durham, NC | $59,560 | 680 | $61,042 | 33% |
| Lebanon, PA | $59,510 | 200 | $63,842 | 29% |
| Missoula, MT | $59,480 | 280 | $61,672 | 33% |
| Springfield, IL | $59,450 | 270 | $64,100 | 24% |
| Kankakee, IL | $59,440 | 130 | $61,664 | 27% |
| Columbus, OH | $59,370 | 3,890 | $62,188 | 31% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $59,350 | – | $62,562 | 29% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $59,280 | 3,760 | $60,526 | 38% |
| Wichita, KS | $59,280 | 380 | $66,647 | 24% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $59,250 | 740 | $64,004 | 26% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $59,230 | 880 | $54,130 | 46% |
| San Antonio, TX | $59,180 | 2,140 | $62,482 | 29% |
| Providence, RI | $59,120 | 3,850 | $58,090 | 44% |
| Kokomo, IN | $59,040 | 170 | $65,858 | 22% |
| Brunswick, GA | $58,980 | 70 | $67,246 | 34% |
| Columbia, SC | $58,920 | 1,260 | $62,907 | 32% |
| Tulsa, OK | $58,880 | 1,320 | $65,999 | 28% |
| Naples, FL | $58,870 | 500 | $57,045 | 53% |
| Killeen, TX | $58,820 | 340 | $64,544 | 27% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $58,810 | 590 | $58,667 | – |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $58,790 | 530 | $53,496 | 71% |
| Springfield, MA | $58,750 | 1,790 | $61,159 | 40% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $58,720 | 260 | $64,832 | 27% |
| Reno, NV | $58,720 | 370 | $58,131 | 42% |
| Yakima, WA | $58,590 | 500 | $61,322 | 28% |
| St. Louis, MO | $58,570 | 3,330 | $61,596 | 29% |
| Sandusky, OH | $58,570 | 70 | $65,602 | 37% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $58,520 | 3,460 | $61,361 | 31% |
| Honolulu, HI | $58,500 | 1,500 | $52,721 | 62% |
| Pueblo, CO | $58,380 | 700 | $63,621 | 27% |
| Billings, MT | $58,350 | 390 | $62,389 | 29% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $58,300 | 330 | $61,062 | 36% |
| Flint, MI | $58,250 | 360 | $62,612 | 21% |
| Paducah, KY | $58,240 | 140 | $67,655 | 24% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $58,240 | 470 | $62,011 | 30% |
| Lexington, KY | $58,190 | 970 | $62,645 | 33% |
| Toledo, OH | $58,190 | 1,080 | $63,627 | 26% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $58,140 | 14,920 | $56,692 | 39% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $58,070 | 380 | $61,664 | 33% |
| Worcester, MA | $57,950 | 2,460 | $56,524 | 44% |
| Syracuse, NY | $57,940 | 690 | $60,517 | 34% |
| Riverside, CA | $57,880 | 6,980 | $54,377 | 53% |
| Richmond, VA | $57,860 | 4,150 | $59,126 | 35% |
| Great Falls, MT | $57,850 | 160 | $59,735 | 30% |
| Baltimore, MD | $57,750 | 5,160 | $55,270 | 40% |
| Binghamton, NY | $57,720 | 220 | $62,156 | 33% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $57,720 | 370 | $64,006 | 25% |
| San Diego, CA | $57,660 | 6,500 | $51,534 | 62% |
| Dubuque, IA | $57,530 | 90 | $65,878 | 22% |
| College Station, TX | $57,360 | 170 | $63,067 | 31% |
| Peoria, IL | $57,350 | 560 | $62,862 | 24% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $57,340 | 210 | $66,761 | 22% |
| Miami, FL | $57,290 | 10,240 | $50,186 | 56% |
| Lima, OH | $57,230 | 120 | $63,824 | 25% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $57,220 | – | $57,713 | 43% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $57,210 | 1,330 | $57,993 | 31% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $57,080 | 760 | $62,981 | 27% |
| Albany, NY | $57,030 | 1,210 | $57,279 | 36% |
| Columbia, MO | $57,010 | 350 | $63,742 | 31% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $56,930 | 210 | $66,293 | 26% |
| Macon, GA | $56,870 | 160 | $64,240 | 26% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $56,780 | 300 | $60,635 | 36% |
| Orlando, FL | $56,710 | 3,270 | $55,917 | 41% |
| Canton, OH | $56,640 | 400 | $63,351 | 24% |
| Lakeland, FL | $56,580 | 750 | $58,245 | 38% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $56,390 | 220 | $64,349 | 26% |
| Redding, CA | $56,340 | 350 | $55,957 | 35% |
| Provo, UT | $56,260 | 1,470 | $57,273 | 38% |
| Charlotte, NC | $56,130 | 3,380 | $57,659 | 37% |
| Youngstown, OH | $56,090 | 840 | $64,181 | 22% |
| Texarkana, TX | $56,030 | 50 | $66,693 | 27% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $55,990 | 630 | $56,637 | 44% |
| Saginaw, MI | $55,960 | 370 | $61,568 | 23% |
| Springfield, OH | $55,940 | 140 | $61,824 | 26% |
| Columbus, GA | $55,910 | 310 | $62,612 | 29% |
| Bloomington, IL | $55,890 | 280 | $59,752 | 28% |
| Buffalo, NY | $55,750 | 1,480 | $58,167 | 31% |
| Reading, PA | $55,690 | 840 | $57,377 | 33% |
| Tampa, FL | $55,570 | 4,370 | $55,080 | 43% |
| Hinesville, GA | $55,540 | 70 | $59,127 | 38% |
| Allentown, PA | $55,520 | 1,550 | $55,538 | 40% |
| Greenville, NC | $55,490 | 170 | $62,770 | 32% |
| Lewiston, ME | $55,480 | 160 | $58,563 | 34% |
| Florence, SC | $55,340 | 200 | $63,775 | 33% |
| Augusta, GA | $55,320 | 510 | $60,194 | 32% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $55,270 | 600 | $60,428 | 33% |
| Crestview, FL | $55,270 | 360 | $56,961 | 43% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $55,220 | 750 | $55,094 | 50% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $55,100 | 440 | $57,935 | 38% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $55,060 | 1,270 | $54,942 | 38% |
| Staunton, VA | $55,060 | 190 | $60,421 | 32% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $55,050 | 210 | $62,701 | 21% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $54,820 | 430 | $54,817 | 41% |
| Greenville, SC | $54,760 | 1,070 | $58,718 | 34% |
| Gainesville, GA | $54,670 | 70 | $56,497 | 37% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $54,630 | 1,080 | $53,376 | 40% |
| Little Rock, AR | $54,450 | 710 | $60,931 | 27% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $54,290 | 6,110 | $57,346 | 32% |
| Weirton, WV | $54,060 | 60 | $60,725 | 18% |
| Birmingham, AL | $53,990 | – | $58,913 | 31% |
| Waco, TX | $53,920 | 260 | $58,260 | 32% |
| Jackson, MI | $53,820 | 70 | $58,641 | 26% |
| Ocala, FL | $53,820 | 430 | $56,513 | 36% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $53,760 | 4,610 | $56,178 | 34% |
| Rockford, IL | $53,670 | 460 | $58,239 | 29% |
| Mansfield, OH | $53,650 | 200 | $60,368 | 20% |
| State College, PA | $53,540 | 400 | $55,332 | 44% |
| Salisbury, MD | $53,480 | 220 | $55,931 | 44% |
| Deltona, FL | $53,420 | 620 | $53,760 | 40% |
| Charleston, SC | $53,260 | 890 | $52,753 | 46% |
| Asheville, NC | $53,090 | 680 | $55,012 | 38% |
| Joplin, MO | $52,800 | 300 | $61,597 | 28% |
| Bloomington, IN | $52,710 | 960 | $55,435 | 40% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $52,620 | 80 | $57,143 | 36% |
| Wheeling, WV | $52,270 | 200 | $59,181 | 20% |
| Lafayette, IN | $52,100 | 380 | $55,764 | 34% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $52,060 | 730 | $56,154 | 38% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $52,060 | 120 | $59,151 | 29% |
| Roanoke, VA | $52,040 | 570 | $55,588 | 32% |
| Huntington, WV | $52,000 | 860 | $58,809 | 25% |
| Rome, GA | $51,990 | 80 | $57,664 | 29% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $51,910 | 26,960 | $45,709 | 68% |
| Owensboro, KY | $51,770 | 220 | $58,425 | 29% |
| Decatur, IL | $51,740 | 130 | $58,515 | 25% |
| South Bend, IN | $51,740 | 580 | $55,719 | 29% |
| Morgantown, WV | $51,680 | 190 | $55,378 | 31% |
| Beckley, WV | $51,660 | 150 | $58,459 | 24% |
| Savannah, GA | $51,620 | 460 | $54,219 | 41% |
| Manchester, NH | $51,470 | 1,300 | $48,714 | 50% |
| York, PA | $51,470 | 800 | $53,615 | 32% |
| Greensboro, NC | $51,410 | 480 | $55,360 | 33% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $51,330 | 110 | $53,817 | 32% |
| Gainesville, FL | $51,280 | 390 | $53,012 | 38% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $51,280 | 110 | $54,676 | 35% |
| Duluth, MN | $51,170 | 520 | $57,645 | 31% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $51,070 | 130 | $59,121 | 24% |
| Hickory, NC | $51,060 | 310 | $57,704 | 37% |
| Morristown, TN | $50,990 | 50 | $59,041 | 37% |
| Louisville, KY | $50,970 | 2,870 | $54,763 | 32% |
| Utica, NY | $50,890 | 390 | $54,911 | 34% |
| Nashville, TN | $50,810 | 3,440 | $52,741 | 43% |
| Odessa, TX | $50,680 | 60 | $53,975 | 37% |
| Panama City, FL | $50,580 | 300 | $51,986 | 41% |
| Winchester, VA | $50,580 | 340 | $52,442 | 43% |
| Daphne, AL | $50,500 | 140 | $53,332 | 40% |
| Burlington, NC | $50,440 | 90 | $54,122 | 32% |
| Valdosta, GA | $50,360 | 160 | $57,052 | 32% |
| Midland, TX | $50,330 | 80 | $52,546 | 37% |
| Memphis, TN | $50,260 | 1,560 | $54,524 | 33% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $50,250 | 340 | $54,224 | 34% |
| Tyler, TX | $50,160 | 260 | $54,429 | 31% |
| Dalton, GA | $50,050 | 50 | $55,708 | 34% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $49,990 | 110 | $56,510 | 36% |
| Pensacola, FL | $49,910 | 780 | $51,076 | 42% |
| Erie, PA | $49,820 | 770 | $54,777 | 27% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $49,630 | 200 | $50,634 | 48% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $49,570 | 210 | $52,376 | 32% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $49,560 | 300 | $56,497 | 40% |
| The Villages, FL | $49,500 | 80 | $57,946 | 42% |
| Decatur, AL | $49,360 | 200 | $56,598 | 26% |
| Columbus, IN | $49,240 | 240 | $52,945 | 34% |
| Kingsport, TN | $49,220 | 250 | $56,937 | 32% |
| Elmira, NY | $49,210 | 90 | $52,130 | 28% |
| Gulfport, MS | $49,180 | 210 | $54,641 | 35% |
| Sebastian, FL | $49,120 | 90 | $49,965 | 52% |
| Lancaster, PA | $49,060 | 1,200 | $49,930 | 39% |
| Sumter, SC | $49,030 | 120 | $55,703 | 36% |
| Wilmington, NC | $48,970 | 480 | $50,787 | 43% |
| Charleston, WV | $48,960 | 330 | $55,187 | 30% |
| Knoxville, TN | $48,910 | 1,060 | $52,836 | 42% |
| Muncie, IN | $48,800 | 230 | $55,361 | 26% |
| Abilene, TX | $48,580 | 130 | $53,760 | 49% |
| Dothan, AL | $48,580 | 150 | $57,949 | 30% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $48,570 | 240 | $56,426 | 25% |
| Johnstown, PA | $48,560 | 270 | $56,512 | 22% |
| Huntsville, AL | $48,530 | 400 | $52,142 | 34% |
| Evansville, IN | $48,490 | 470 | $52,978 | 27% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $48,490 | 160 | $55,693 | 26% |
| Watertown, NY | $48,310 | 150 | $55,092 | 37% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $48,220 | 330 | $52,784 | 39% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $48,220 | 80 | $56,246 | 31% |
| Springfield, MO | $48,120 | 810 | $54,321 | 31% |
| Shreveport, LA | $48,100 | 410 | $56,744 | 32% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $47,980 | 320 | $52,165 | 36% |
| Albany, GA | $47,820 | 40 | $54,546 | 27% |
| Rapid City, SD | $47,620 | 350 | $53,410 | 37% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $47,620 | 380 | $51,737 | 39% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $47,480 | 160 | $53,970 | 26% |
| Jackson, MS | $47,380 | 760 | $53,207 | 37% |
| Johnson City, TN | $46,980 | 220 | $53,430 | 38% |
| Athens, GA | $46,900 | 120 | $50,245 | 45% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $46,840 | 840 | $51,597 | 35% |
| Victoria, TX | $46,820 | 40 | $52,115 | 30% |
| Scranton, PA | $46,810 | 1,470 | $50,034 | 35% |
| Anniston, AL | $46,690 | 100 | $54,323 | 25% |
| Montgomery, AL | $46,580 | 400 | $51,939 | 36% |
| Sebring, FL | $46,550 | 100 | $50,341 | 39% |
| Jackson, TN | $46,520 | 420 | $54,395 | 36% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $46,480 | – | $49,729 | 45% |
| Lubbock, TX | $46,390 | 280 | $50,801 | 34% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $46,380 | 150 | $52,504 | 48% |
| Williamsport, PA | $46,380 | 270 | $50,222 | 28% |
| Auburn, AL | $46,310 | 150 | $52,665 | 41% |
| Altoona, PA | $46,260 | 510 | $51,683 | 26% |
| Mobile, AL | $45,740 | 540 | $51,919 | 34% |
| Lawton, OK | $45,660 | 80 | $53,129 | 30% |
| Monroe, LA | $45,310 | 420 | $54,201 | 31% |
| Longview, TX | $44,990 | 150 | $50,277 | 31% |
| Cleveland, TN | $44,820 | 110 | $50,886 | 38% |
| Florence, AL | $44,250 | 90 | $52,171 | 29% |
| Clarksville, TN | $43,970 | 590 | $48,347 | 37% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $43,810 | 550 | $48,116 | 40% |
| Manhattan, KS | $42,200 | 160 | $46,805 | 36% |
| New Orleans, LA | $42,140 | 1,580 | $45,509 | 45% |
| Gadsden, AL | $41,690 | 100 | $48,673 | 31% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $38,610 | 350 | $44,973 | 42% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $38,300 | 80 | $43,705 | 41% |
| Lafayette, LA | $37,660 | 620 | $43,184 | 44% |
| Bay City, MI | $37,620 | 350 | $40,926 | 32% |
| Alexandria, LA | $37,150 | 300 | $43,356 | 33% |
| Hammond, LA | $36,750 | 130 | $43,512 | 43% |
| Houma, LA | $36,520 | 600 | $42,913 | 43% |
| Slidell, LA | $34,470 | 470 | $37,174 | – |
What the median mental health counselor salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $59,350 |
| Month | $4,946 |
| Every two weeks | $2,283 |
| Week | $1,141 |
| Hour | $28.53 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a mental health counselor: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Master's degree |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Internship/residency |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +18.4% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 50,500 |
| Self-employed | 5.4% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| School counselor | $64,330 | Master's degree |
| Social worker | $59,550 | Bachelor's degree |
| Marriage and family therapist | $66,940 | Master's degree |
| Probation officer | $66,270 | Bachelor's degree |
| Community health worker | $51,850 | High school diploma |
Questions about mental health counselor pay
How much does a mental health counselor make an hour?
The median is $28.53 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $18.72 and the top 10% over $46.92.
How much does a mental health counselor make a month?
About $4,946 a month before taxes at the median salary of $59,350, or $2,283 every two weeks.
What state pays mental health counselors the most?
Alaska, with a median of $80,770. Oregon ($74,590), New Mexico ($74,100), Washington ($68,910) and North Dakota ($68,630) follow.
Where do mental health counselors make the most after cost of living?
New Mexico: its median of $74,100 is worth $80,358 at typical US prices. Alaska, North Dakota and Oregon come next.
How much do entry-level mental health counselors make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of mental health counselors earn under $38,940 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $47,100, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a mental health counselor?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a master's degree. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: internship/residency.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 21-1018 (Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.