▲6%
$14.83
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
/ hour
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
10%
$12.12
MEDIAN
$14.83
90%
$17.68
The average hourly pay for a Mental Health Counselor is $14.83 in 2025
Hourly Rate
$12 - $18
Total Pay
$26k - $40k
Is Average Entry-Level Mental Health Counselor with Milieu Therapy Skills Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Mental Health Counselors?
What Do Mental Health Counselors Do?
Mental Health Counselor Tasks
- Maintain accurate required documentation of patient care.
- Counsel clients to promote optimal mental health, individually and in group sessions.
- Design and implement treatment plans.
- Assesses patient mental status and problems through interviews and observations.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Mental Health Counselor
Medical
54%
Dental
54%
Vision
31%
None
46%
Gender Breakdown for Mental Health Counselors
Female
100.0%
This data is based on 7 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Mental Health Counselors
What is the highest pay for Mental Health Counselors?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Mental Health Counselor is $17.68 / hour
What is the lowest pay for Mental Health Counselors?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Mental Health Counselor is $12.12 / hour
How can Mental Health Counselors increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Mental Health Counselor is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Mental Health Counselor that oversees more junior Mental Health Counselors, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.