Mental Health Counselor Salary
Mental health counselors earn a national median salary of $53,710 per year, with strong growth potential through licensure advancement, specialization, and private practice.
Taylor Rupe
B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle
Key Takeaways
- The national median salary for mental health counselors is $53,710, with the top 10% earning over $85,160 (BLS, 2023).
- Job growth is projected at 22% through 2033 — much faster than the national average, making this one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country.
- Licensed counselors in private practice can earn $80,000–$120,000+, significantly more than the median for agency-employed counselors.
- New Jersey, Alaska, and California rank among the highest-paying states for mental health counselors.
- The National Certified Counselor (NCC) credential and state independent licensure (LPC/LMHC) are the main gateways to higher pay.
Mental health counselors provide therapy and support to individuals, couples, and families dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and other behavioral health challenges. They work in community clinics, private practices, hospitals, schools, and employee assistance programs.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks counselor salaries under the "Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors" category (SOC 21-1018). While starting salaries are lower than doctoral-level psychology positions, the field offers 22% projected job growth through 2033 — one of the fastest growth rates in healthcare — and opportunities for significant income increases through private practice and specialization.
How Much Do Mental Health Counselors Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors earn a median annual wage of $53,710. The lowest 10% earn approximately $36,320, while the highest 10% earn over $85,160.
It's important to note that the BLS groups substance abuse and mental health counselors together. Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Mental Health Counselors (LMHCs) who specialize in clinical mental health work — especially in private practice — typically earn more than the BLS median suggests. The field employs approximately 361,650 workers nationwide, making it one of the largest behavioral health occupations.
10th Percentile
$36,320
Median
$53,710
90th Percentile
$85,160
Mental Health Counselor Salary by State
| State | Median Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $72,870 | 8,240 |
| Alaska | $68,450 | 610 |
| California | $67,530 | 30,160 |
| Connecticut | $65,940 | 5,120 |
| Hawaii | $65,280 | 1,430 |
| Oregon | $63,710 | 5,340 |
| Massachusetts | $62,390 | 10,870 |
| Washington | $61,540 | 7,950 |
| New York | $58,920 | 22,610 |
| Maryland | $57,680 | 6,870 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Pre-Licensed / Intern (0–2 years) | $35,000–$45,000 |
| Newly Licensed (2–4 years) | $45,000–$58,000 |
| Experienced Licensed (5–10 years) | $55,000–$75,000 |
| Senior / Private Practice (10+ years) | $75,000–$120,000+ |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Employer Type
| Employer Type | Salary |
|---|---|
| Private Practice (Self-Employed) | $80,000–$120,000+ |
| Hospitals & Health Systems | $55,000–$75,000 |
| Government Agencies (State/Local) | $50,000–$70,000 |
| Community Mental Health Centers | $42,000–$58,000 |
| Nonprofit Organizations | $38,000–$52,000 |
Mental Health Counselor Salary by Education Level
| Education Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Master's in Counseling (pre-licensure) | $36,000–$48,000 |
| Master's + Licensed (LPC/LMHC) | $50,000–$72,000 |
| Master's + Licensed + NCC Credential | $55,000–$80,000 |
| Doctoral Degree (PhD/EdD in Counseling) | $70,000–$100,000+ |
How to Increase Your Mental Health Counselor Salary
While entry-level counseling salaries can be modest, the American Counseling Association emphasizes that counselors who pursue full independent licensure and build specialized skills see the most significant income growth. Private practice is the highest-earning pathway for most counselors.
- Complete your supervised hours and obtain full independent licensure (LPC, LMHC, or equivalent) as quickly as possible — this is the single biggest salary lever for counselors.
- Build toward private practice. Even a part-time caseload of 15–20 clients per week at $120–$180 per session can generate $80,000–$120,000+ annually.
- Develop specializations in high-demand areas like trauma (EMDR), substance abuse, couples therapy (Gottman), or eating disorders — specialists can charge higher session rates.
- Get credentialed with multiple insurance panels and/or develop a cash-pay niche. Counselors who accept private-pay clients typically earn 30–50% more per session.
- Consider telehealth — it reduces overhead costs and allows you to serve clients in higher-paying markets regardless of your physical location.
Related Pages
How to Become a Mental Health Counselor
Education, licensure, and career path for becoming a licensed mental health counselor.
Best Online Counseling Programs
Top CACREP-accredited online counseling programs for aspiring LPCs and LMHCs.
Clinical Psychologist Salary
Compare counselor pay with the higher-paying clinical psychologist pathway.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
The median salary for mental health counselors ($53,710) is lower than clinical psychologists ($95,830) primarily because counseling requires a master's degree (2–3 years) while clinical psychology requires a doctorate (5–7 years). The shorter training timeline means counselors enter the workforce faster and with less student debt, but the BLS median also includes substance abuse counselors and pre-licensure workers, which pulls the average down.
Licensed counselors in private practice typically earn $80,000–$120,000+ annually, well above the BLS median. A full-time private practice with 25 clients per week at $130–$180 per session generates $169,000–$234,000 in gross revenue. After overhead (office rent, insurance, billing), net income commonly falls between $90,000–$150,000 depending on the market and practice model.
The single biggest salary lever is completing your supervised hours and obtaining full independent licensure (LPC, LMHC, or equivalent). This alone can increase your salary by $10,000–$20,000. After licensure, transitioning to private practice — even part-time alongside agency work — provides the most significant income boost.
Yes. Counselors working at nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or qualified community mental health centers may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) after 120 qualifying payments (10 years). Some states also offer loan repayment assistance programs specifically for mental health professionals serving in underserved areas through HRSA's National Health Service Corps.
Counseling offers a reliable career with strong job security — 22% projected growth is among the fastest for any occupation. While starting salaries are modest ($36,000–$48,000 pre-licensure), experienced licensed counselors earn $55,000–$75,000 in agencies and $80,000–$120,000+ in private practice. The relatively short educational path (master's degree) also means less student debt compared to doctoral-level psychology careers.
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