Salary Outlook
According to the BLS, mental health counselors earned $39,190 in 2011, or approximately $32.64 per hour. The best-paid earned about $65,660, while the lowest-paid earned less than $24,840. Top-paying areas of the industry include insurance carriers, state government, and facilities support services. If you're looking for a position in a geographic area that compensates well, consider the metropolitan areas of Detroit, Augusta, Ga., and Salem, Ore.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $30,410.00 |
| 2004 | $34,690.00 |
| 2006 | $36,550.00 |
| 2008 | $39,020.00 |
| 2010 | $40,040.00 |
Average Mental Health Counselor Pay vs. All Social Services Jobs
With an average salary of $39,190 per year, mental health counselors are at the lower end of the pay scale compared to other social service jobs. Those in the education system, including school counselors ($54,130) and teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels all take home more pay. Earning just over $40,000, child and family social workers boast a slightly higher salary than mental health counselors.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| High School Teacher | $54,270.00 |
| Middle School Teacher | $53,130.00 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $52,840.00 |
| Child & Family Social Worker | $40,680.00 |
| Mental Health Counselor | $39,190.00 |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | $38,560.00 |
See Complete List of Best Social Services Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Mental Health Counselors
The highest paid in the mental health counselor profession work in the metropolitan areas of Detroit, MI, Augusta, GA, and Salem, OR. The Anchorage, AK area also pays well, as does the city of Santa Barbara, CA.
Detroit, MI
Average Salary: $67,600 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a mental health counselor working in Detroit, MI is $67,600, which is $28,410 more than the average pay in the profession.
Augusta, GA
Average Salary: $60,760 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a mental health counselor working in Augusta, GA is $60,760, which is $21,570 more than the average pay in the profession.
Salem, OR
Average Salary: $60,310 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a mental health counselor working in Salem, OR is $60,310, which is $21,120 more than the average pay in the profession.
Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $59,420 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a mental health counselor working in Anchorage, AK is $59,420, which is $20,230 more than the average pay in the profession.
Santa Barbara, CA
Average Salary: $58,180 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a mental health counselor working in Santa Barbara, CA is $58,180, which is $18,990 more than the average pay in the profession.
