Counselor Salary by State (Median Annual Counseling Pay)
Mental health professionals are more essential than ever, and so is understanding what fair compensation looks like in today's evolving job market. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations. With demand rising, salaries are shifting, too. But pay isn't uniform across the country.
Whether you're choosing a state for your counseling licensure, planning a relocation, or exploring the earning potential of your degree, knowing how counselor salaries vary by location can inform your next move. In this article, we break down median annual salaries for counselors by state in 2025, uncover the highest-paying regions, and explore what these numbers mean in real-world career decisions.
Understanding where counseling professionals earn the most isn't just about chasing a paycheck; it's about aligning your work with your goals, lifestyle, and long-term financial wellbeing. Let's take a closer look at where counselors are earning the most and why.
National Median Salary for Counselors in 2025
Before diving into the state-by-state comparison, it's important to understand what the average counselor earns nationally. In 2025, the median annual salary for licensed professional counselors (LPCs) in the United States is approximately $57,900, according to aggregated data derived from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
That figure represents a middle point, meaning half of practicing counselors earn more, and half earn less. Variables like licensure level, specialty (e.g., school counseling, substance use, marriage and family therapy), setting, and geographic location all contribute to compensation differences.
States Where Counselors Earn the Most
Location can significantly influence counselor pay, often by tens of thousands of dollars. In states with high costs of living, greater demand, or strong healthcare infrastructure, median salaries tend to rise accordingly.
Below is a table showing the top 10 highest-paying states for counselors in 2025 based on median annual salary.
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Counselors (2025)
| Rank | State | Median Annual Salary |
| 1 | California | $78,200 |
| 2 | New Jersey | $74,500 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $72,900 |
| 4 | Alaska | $71,400 |
| 5 | Oregon | $70,300 |
| 6 | Connecticut | $69,800 |
| 7 | New York | $68,750 |
| 8 | Washington | $67,600 |
| 9 | Maryland | $66,400 |
| 10 | Colorado | $65,900 |
These states often feature robust behavioral health networks, Medicaid expansion programs, and urban centers where counselors serve diverse populations. For example, California's mental health reform efforts, including the CalAIM initiative, have led to expanded counselor roles and better compensation.
States Where Counselor Salaries Are More Modest
While some states lead the way in counselor pay, others trail behind, often due to a lower cost of living or fewer healthcare investments. That doesn't necessarily mean these areas lack opportunity. In fact, underserved regions can offer faster job placement and greater flexibility for new professionals.
10 States with the Lowest Median Counselor Salaries (2025)
| Rank | State | Median Annual Salary |
| 1 | Mississippi | $45,100 |
| 2 | West Virginia | $46,200 |
| 3 | Arkansas | $46,700 |
| 4 | Kentucky | $47,500 |
| 5 | Alabama | $48,000 |
| 6 | South Dakota | $48,400 |
| 7 | Oklahoma | $49,000 |
| 8 | Louisiana | $49,500 |
| 9 | Missouri | $50,200 |
| 10 | Montana | $50,900 |
Counselors working in rural or low-income areas may also qualify for loan repayment programs or federal incentives through the National Health Service Corps (NHSC), which can offset modest salaries with financial relief.
State-by-State Counselor Salary Guide
To give you the full picture, here's a comprehensive list of median counselor salaries by state in 2025. These figures reflect licensed counselors across a range of specialties (e.g., mental health, school, addiction) and provide a useful benchmark for career planning.
Complete Counselor Salary Comparison Table (2025)
| State | Median Annual Salary |
| Alabama | $48,000 |
| Alaska | $71,400 |
| Arizona | $59,200 |
| Arkansas | $46,700 |
| California | $78,200 |
| Colorado | $65,900 |
| Connecticut | $69,800 |
| Delaware | $62,000 |
| Florida | $54,600 |
| Georgia | $56,500 |
| Hawaii | $63,200 |
| Idaho | $52,300 |
| Illinois | $60,400 |
| Indiana | $53,700 |
| Iowa | $51,800 |
| Kansas | $52,000 |
| Kentucky | $47,500 |
| Louisiana | $49,500 |
| Maine | $58,000 |
| Maryland | $66,400 |
| Massachusetts | $72,900 |
| Michigan | $55,800 |
| Minnesota | $60,900 |
| Mississippi | $45,100 |
| Missouri | $50,200 |
| Montana | $50,900 |
| Nebraska | $53,000 |
| Nevada | $62,700 |
| New Hampshire | $60,200 |
| New Jersey | $74,500 |
| New Mexico | $55,100 |
| New York | $68,750 |
| North Carolina | $54,200 |
| North Dakota | $51,600 |
| Ohio | $56,000 |
| Oklahoma | $49,000 |
| Oregon | $70,300 |
| Pennsylvania | $59,500 |
| Rhode Island | $61,800 |
| South Carolina | $53,100 |
| South Dakota | $48,400 |
| Tennessee | $52,900 |
| Texas | $58,700 |
| Utah | $55,600 |
| Vermont | $60,000 |
| Virginia | $61,300 |
| Washington | $67,600 |
| West Virginia | $46,200 |
| Wisconsin | $58,100 |
| Wyoming | $50,800 |
Factors That Influence Counselor Salaries
Understanding the numbers is one part of the equation, knowing why salaries differ is just as important. Several factors influence counselor compensation:
- Licensure and Certification: Professionals credentialed as LPCs or LMFTs often have different pay scales based on state requirements and clinical focus.
- Setting: School counselors, private practice therapists, and clinicians in hospitals or nonprofits are often paid differently depending on their work environments.
- Experience: Entry-level counselors typically earn less, but salaries can grow substantially after 5–10 years.
- Specialization: Choosing a counseling specialization such as addiction, trauma, or couples therapy can affect salary trajectories.
- Geographic Demand: Urban and underserved rural areas may offer salary incentives due to high need and limited resources.
If you’re just getting started, check out how to become a counselor for a step-by-step guide to training, licensure, and career entry.
Build a Fulfilling, Financially Sustainable Counseling Career
Salaries matter, and so does impact. As the need for mental health support continues to grow, counselors play a crucial role in individual and community wellbeing. Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career move, understanding salary trends by state empowers you to make informed, strategic decisions.
Explore roles, consider your long-term goals, and think holistically about compensation, benefits, and opportunities for growth. The right job isn't just the one that pays the most; it's the one that supports your purpose and potential.
If you’re still choosing your path, our guide to the best online counseling schools can help you launch your career with flexibility and accreditation.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Mental Health Counselors
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
- CalAIM: California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal
- National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
- National Board for Certified Counselors – State Licensure
