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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mental Health Program Director in California is $94,980 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Mental Health Program Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Mental Health Program Director Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $101,448 | $8,454 | $1,951 | $49 |
| Average | $94,980 | $7,915 | $1,827 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,094 | $7,758 | $1,790 | $45 |
Evolve Treatment Centers - La Mesa, CA
Charles R. Drew University of Med & Sc - Los Angeles, CA
AKUA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH INC - Costa Mesa, CA
Mental Health America of Los Angeles - Long Beach, CA
A Mental Health Program Director's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Mental Health Program Director's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Mental Health Program Director | $95,111 |
| Intermediate Level Mental Health Program Director | $95,321 |
| Senior Level Mental Health Program Director | $96,861 |
| Specialist Level Mental Health Program Director | $97,853 |
| Expert Level Mental Health Program Director | $98,101 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Mental Health Program Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Mental Health Program Director roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Financial Services, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Mental Health Program Director positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Mental Health Program Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $113,976 | $55.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Mental Health Program Director's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $101,448 | $8,454 | $1,951 | $49 |
| Average | $94,980 | $7,915 | $1,827 | $46 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,094 | $7,758 | $1,790 | $45 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Mental Health Program Director job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Valeo Resources, LLC
Rancho Mirage, CA
Valeo Resources, LLC | Rancho Mirage, CA
Behavioral Health Program Medical Director. Valeo Resources has partnered with a non-profit hospital organization. We are currently seeking candidates for ... more
6 Days Ago
Mental Health America of Los Angeles
Lancaster, CA
Mental Health America of Los Angeles | Lancaster, CA
Job TypeFull-time, TemporaryDescriptionMental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovation, and ... more
7 Days Ago
Mental Health America of Los Angeles
Lancaster, CA
Mental Health America of Los Angeles | Lancaster, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Mental Health America of Los Angeles (MHALA) has been a pioneer in mental health service, advocacy, innovati... more
7 Days Ago
National Psychiatric Care and Rehabilitation Services
San Jose, CA
National Psychiatric Care and Rehabilitation Services | San Jose, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Under the direct supervision of the Program Director, the Program Manager supervises, assists and trains Mental Health Wo... more
3 Days Ago
SERO MENTAL HEALTH
Carlsbad, CA
SERO MENTAL HEALTH | Carlsbad, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Wings Recovery. is hiring a. Primary Therapist. in. Carlsbad, CA. The. Mental Health Therapist. is responsible for provid... more
5 Days Ago
Ellie Mental Health - 246
Los Angeles, CA
Ellie Mental Health - 246 | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). Bonus based on performance. Dental insurance. Flexible schedule. Health insurance. Paid time off. Visio... more
7 Days Ago
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