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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mental Health Program Director in Illinois is $87,773 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $42.
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 | $93,750 | $7,813 | $1,803 | $45 |
| Average | $87,773 | $7,314 | $1,688 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,030 | $7,169 | $1,654 | $41 |
Psychiatric Medical Care - Monticello, IL
Heritage Behavioral Health Center - Decatur, IL
Endeavor Health Services - Naperville, IL
Heritage Behavioral Health Center - Decatur, IL
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 | $87,894 |
| Intermediate Level Mental Health Program Director | $88,087 |
| Senior Level Mental Health Program Director | $89,511 |
| Specialist Level Mental Health Program Director | $90,427 |
| Expert Level Mental Health Program Director | $90,656 |
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 | $105,327 | $51.0 | 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 | $93,750 | $7,813 | $1,803 | $45 |
| Average | $87,773 | $7,314 | $1,688 | $42 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,030 | $7,169 | $1,654 | $41 |
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.
Delta-T Group Inc.
Chicago, IL
Delta-T Group Inc. | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Location. Chicago, IL 60630. Date Posted. 07/01/2026. Category. Management. Education. Masters Degree. Delta-T Group has ... more
9 Days Ago
Universal Health Services
Forest Park, IL
Universal Health Services | Forest Park, IL
Mental Health Associate. Shape the future of behavioral health care throughout the Forest Park community by joining our extraordinary team at Riveredge Hos... more
7 Days Ago
The Thresholds
Chicago, IL
The Thresholds | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Are you looking for an opportunity to use your mental health recovery experience to be a change agent in the mental healt... more
7 Days Ago
Foundation for the NIH
NORTH BETHESDA, MD
Foundation for the NIH | NORTH BETHESDA, MD
Director, Mental Health North Bethesda, MD 20852 Position Type: Full Time Salary Range: $185,000.00 - $225,000.00 Salary/year Description The Foundation fo... more
21 Days Ago
Lutheran Social Services of WI & UP MI
SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WI
Lutheran Social Services of WI & UP MI | SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WI
Lutheran Social Services of WI & UP MI seeks a Director of Program Services to lead behavioral health, housing, and family support programs across Wisconsi... more
9 Days Ago
Lutheran Social Services of WI & UP MI
BIG BEND, WI
Lutheran Social Services of WI & UP MI | BIG BEND, WI
Lutheran Social Services of WI & UP MI seeks a Director of Program Services to lead behavioral health, housing, and family support programs across Wisconsi... more
9 Days Ago
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