With mental health such an important topic in the world today, many aspiring counselors ask the question, “Can I make good money as a mental health counselor?” The good news about this career is that it offers various career opportunities, which in turn can result in good wages. Mental health counselors work in different settings and with different types of people. All these variables can affect the type of wages earned by mental health counselors.
What is a Mental Health Counselor?
Mental health counselors are trained healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat patients with mental health problems. To become a mental health counselor usually requires earning a master’s degree in psychology or counseling and obtaining certification. Mental health counselors may work as counselors or may be psychologists or psychiatrists. They generally work in hospitals, mental health facilities or addiction clinics. Their duties include:
- Observing and interviewing patients
- Assessing the patient’s mental status
- Counseling patients individually or as part of a group session
- Designing and implementing treatment plans
Factors Affecting Wages
The wage potential for mental health counselors can vary by many factors. Although the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that a mental health counselor may be hired with just a bachelor’s degree, higher degrees are generally preferred. The higher the degree, the better the wage potential. A mental health counselor with a doctoral degree typically experiences more and better career opportunities than one with a bachelor’s degree or even a master’s degree.
Wage Potential for Mental Health Counselors
Mental health counselors nationwide earned annual wages ranging from $26,950 to $70,100 with the average wage at $46,050. The average hourly wage was $22.14. This information comes from a 2016 BLS report. According to a September 2019 PayScale report, the average annual wage for mental health counselors was $41,223.
Where the mental health counselor works can also affect earning potential. A mental health counselor working in a small town clinic generally will probably earn less than one working in a large hospital in large city. Other factors that can affect wage potential include certifications, experience and location.
How Location Affects Wages
Geographic location can play a big part in the type of money that can be made by a mental health counselor. Wages not only fluctuate from state to state but also from city to city. Here are the five top-paying states for mental health counselors and their annual wages according to the bureau.
- Alaska – $65,520
- Utah – $61,080
- Wyoming – $58,020
- Oregon – $55,670
- New Jersey – $53,410
Here are the five lowest-paying states for mental health counselors.
- West Virginia – $33,570
- Tennessee – $33,890
- Louisiana – $36,020
- Montana – $40,210
- Vermont – $41,160
As is evident by the lists, wages can fluctuate a lot from state to state. There is a substantial difference between the earnings in West Virginia and the earnings in Alaska.
Related Resource: 10 Fastest MPH Degree Programs Online
While the wages for mental health counselors may not appear to be as high as what other counselors make, these professionals do have the potential to earn very good wages. One factor that should not be overlooked is that what generally drivers an individual to pursue this career is not if they can make good money as a mental health counselor but rather the opportunity to help those in need.