Mental health counselor salary guide: Entry to senior level

Working as a mental health professional allows counselors to help individuals, couples, and families with their emotional and behavioral needs. Counselors can pursue a wide range of careers and specializations, from mental health counselor to substance abuse counselor, residential counselor, or social worker.

If you're thinking about a career as a mental health counselor, you may find yourself wondering, "How much do mental health counselors make?" This article will examine the overall salary of a mental health counselor, including what counselors may make at different levels, so you can see what your future earnings may look like.

Calculating mental health counselor salaries: Factors to include in your calculations

Several factors influence your salary when accepting a position, including your level of education, professional experience, geographic location, market demand, and the specific industry or organization you choose.

Education level and credentials

Your education level and credentials can have a significant impact on your salary. For example, you need a master's degree to work as a counselor, but if you have a doctoral degree, you may make more than a counselor with just a master's degree. Your certifications can also make a difference in your salary—especially if you're entering a specialization.

Location

Salaries are also dependent on the location of the job. The geographic region and cost of living, as well as the demand for counselors in a specific geographic area, can have a substantial influence on your salary.

Work setting

The setting you choose to work in can also have a significant impact on salary. If you choose to work as a counselor for a public health organization, for example, you may find that your salary is lower than if you choose to work in an external practice or pursue senior-level positions.

Entry-level positions for mental health counselors

Newly licensed counselors may pursue a number of possible roles, including the following:

• Mental health technician in a residential treatment center or psychiatric hospital
• Crisis counselor
• Substance abuse counselor
• Addiction counselor
• ABA therapists

Mental health professionals in these roles may evaluate clients' mental health needs and develop and enact treatment plans. In addition, some counselors may offer referrals to other facilities as needed.

Average salary range for entry-level counselors

The average salary range for entry-level mental health counselors is $64,325 per year, or $31 per hour. Depending on location, position, and hours worked, the average salary could reach $116,500.¹

Building experience and a strong resume

Building your experience at the beginning of your counseling career can not only help you get the future position of your dreams, but it can put you in a better position to increase your salary. While pursuing your degree, look for internship opportunities and volunteer work that allow you to further develop your skills and gain experience within your chosen specialty.

Mid-level progression: Growing your career

As you gain more skills and experience, you may advance to mid-level positions in mental health counseling. You may pursue additional certifications and specializations that can lead to increased career growth and more opportunities.

Salary ranges can differ significantly depending on where you choose to focus your specialization. If you work as a substance abuse counselor, for example, you can expect to make an average of $52,978 per year, with a range between $29,500–$74,000.² The average salary for a marriage and family therapist, on the other hand, is $85,006 per year, with a range from $47,500–$160,000.³

As your career grows, you may be responsible for more leadership and administrative tasks in your organization. Identify the activities that are most important, and make sure you block out time for them on your schedule. Keep a solid work-life balance as you continue to grow your career.

Senior-level roles as a mental health professional

As a senior mental health professional, you may take on more leadership roles and oversee other counselors. Your salary may increase in accordance with these new responsibilities.

As you advance to senior levels in your career, consider expanding your influence and professional reputation. Publishing research, contributing to policy changes, or leading innovative initiatives can strengthen your standing as a clinician. These efforts not only help shape your field but also position you for higher salaries and more challenging, rewarding roles.

Regional salary differences in mental health care settings

Salaries for mental health counselors can vary significantly depending on location. Counselors working in rural areas, for example, tend to make less than those who work in urban areas.⁴

Mental health counselor salaries by state, for example, show that Florida's average salary is $48,069 per year for an entry-level position, while Washington's average salary is $72,854.⁵ While there is a shortage of mental health professionals nationwide, there are some areas where demand is higher, including Massachusetts, Colorado, and Alaska.⁶ Due to this high demand, these areas may offer higher-paying positions.

Increasing your earning potential as a mental health professional

There are several ways you can increase your earning potential and improve your licensed mental health counselor salary:

• Pursuing specialized degrees and certifications
• Developing a private practice or telehealth service
• Building a professional brand and expertise in a niche area

With these tactics, many mental health counselors find that they are ideally positioned to reach their salary goals.

Launch your career in mental health today

If you are interested in pursuing a career in mental health, Oklahoma City University’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program, could be the key to unlocking a fulfilling career where you can truly make a difference. Students who graduate from our program can fit into any sector or specialty of their interest.

Our program includes practicum and internship courses built into the curriculum, allowing you to experience working in real-world settings with diverse communities while meeting fieldwork requirements for licensure. Reach out to an admissions outreach advisor today to learn more about the admissions process and start your journey today.