As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Psychological Counselor in the United States is $128,777 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Psychological Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Psychological 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Psychological Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 4.96% |
| CPA | 4.3% |
| Geriatrics | 2.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Healthcare Services
|
$144,230 |
12%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$141,655 |
10%
|
|
Interpersonal Communication
|
$140,367 |
9%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$139,079 |
8%
|
|
Planning
|
$137,791 |
7%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$136,504 |
6%
|
For Psychological Counselor roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Psychological Counselor positions in Pharmaceuticals or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Psychological Counselor as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $167,410 | $80.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $141,655 | $68.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Psychological 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 Psychological Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $118,083 in 2023 to around $111,253 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Psychological Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $118,083 |
| 2024 | $114,491 |
| 2025 | $111,253 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Psychological Counselor roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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