As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Psychiatric Counselor in the United States is $297,702 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $143.
However, a Psychiatric Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Psychiatric Counselor'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Psychiatric Counselor'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 Psychiatric Counselor | $294,529 |
| Intermediate Level Psychiatric Counselor | $295,851 |
| Senior Level Psychiatric Counselor | $297,173 |
| Specialist Level Psychiatric Counselor | $299,024 |
| Expert Level Psychiatric Counselor | $303,998 |
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 Psychiatric Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 5.26% |
| Case Management | 3.48% |
| CPR | 2.24% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Healthcare Services
|
$321,518 |
8%
|
|
Medication Management
|
$318,541 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$312,587 |
5%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$309,610 |
4%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$303,656 |
2%
|
|
Clinical Services
|
$303,656 |
2%
|
For Psychiatric Counselor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 30% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Psychiatric Counselor positions in Biotechnology or Healthcare typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Psychiatric Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $327,472 | $157.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $327,472 | $157.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Psychiatric Counselors enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Psychiatric Counselor with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $250,405 and $266,352).
Psychiatric Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.5% |
| High School | 2.3% |
| Associates | 1.6% |
| Bachelors | 4.2% |
| Masters | 5.7% |
| Doctorate | 85.6% |
Understanding how a Psychiatric Counselor'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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Psychiatric Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $237,027 in 2023 to around $231,710 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Psychiatric Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $237,027 |
| 2024 | $242,658 |
| 2025 | $231,710 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit industry offers the highest average compensation for Psychiatric Counselor roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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