How Much Does a Behavioral Health RN make?

Behavioral Health RN made a median salary around $78,711 in February, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $87,571 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $71,923. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
download asset banner
Facing Salary Structure Challenges? Let Our Expert Guide You
The job market is increasingly challenging. Our whitepaper, Navigating the Challenges of Creating Salary Structures, offers guidance on creating salary structures. Provide your phone number and work email to download the full version.
We will handle your contact details in line with our Privacy Policy. If you prefer not to receive marketing emails from Salary.com, you can opt-out out of marketing communications at any time by clicking unsubscribe.

Best-Paying Cities for Behavioral Health RN

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Behavioral Health RN profession are Kansas City , Riverside , Saint Louis , Independence , Saint Ann .
Kansas City, MO $85,715
Riverside, MO $85,715
Saint Louis, MO $85,715
Independence, MO $85,627
Saint Ann, MO $85,627

Best-Paying States for Behavioral Health RN

The states and districts that pay Behavioral Health RN the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $97,447) , California (around $96,572) , New Jersey (around $95,959) , Alaska (around $95,346) , and Massachusetts (around $95,258) .
District of Columbia $97,447
California $96,572
New Jersey $95,959
Alaska $95,346
Massachusetts $95,258

What is the Career Path of Behavioral Health RN?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Behavioral Health RN, the first career path typically progresses to Head Nurse - CCU.

The second career path typically progresses to Maternity Services Director.

The third career path typically progresses to Head Nurse - Emergency Room.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically starts with a Head Nurse - Intensive Care Unit position , and then progresses to Head of Intensive Care Unit.

Besides, Behavioral Health RN can also turn to other related jobs, including RN Behavioral Health , Staff Nurse - RN - Behavioral Health , Behavioral Health Technician and Behavioral Health Director .

Frequently Asked Questions for Behavioral Health RN

Q: What is the salary range of Behavioral Health RN in Springfield, MO?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Behavioral Health RN in Springfield, MO earned an average annual salary of $71,923 , while the highest-paid made $87,571.
Q: What is the salary for a Behavioral Health RN in California?
A: Behavioral Health RN employed in California earned an average salary of $96,572 in 2025.

Average Behavioral Health RN Pay vs. Other Jobs

Behavioral Health RN earned an average salary of $78,711 in 2025. Other jobs related to Behavioral Health RN earned the following average salary in February, 2025. RN Behavioral Health made $37,147 , Staff Nurse - RN - Behavioral Health made $78,060 , Behavioral Health Technician and Behavioral Health Director made $36,800 and $129,662 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Behavioral Health RN

RN Behavioral Health - Average Salary $37,147
There is currently no job description for RN Behavioral Health, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for RN Behavioral Health.
Staff Nurse - RN - Behavioral Health - Average Salary $78,060
The Staff Nurse - RN - Behavioral Health works as part of an interdisciplinary medical team to evaluate patients and develop treatment plans. Provides professional nursing care to assigned patients with varying levels of mental health disorders and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities, including outpatients and psychiatric inpatients. Being a Staff Nurse - RN - Behavioral Health promotes patients' independence by teaching patients and families to understand conditions, medications, and self-care skills. Administers medications, monitors patient progress, and records observations in patient medical records. In addition, Staff Nurse - RN - Behavioral Health may supervise lower-level nurses. Requires to gradute from a special program in nursing. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Staff Nurse - RN - Behavioral Health's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.
Behavioral Health Technician - Average Salary $36,800
The Behavioral Health Technician is responsible for the overall maintenance of a therapeutic environment in the psychiatric unit and to ensure the safety of patents and staff. Observes and assists assigned mental health patients and helps with daily living activities, therapeutic activities, and socialization. Being a Behavioral Health Technician records information about patients including vital signs, weight, and demeanor. Attends and participates in group therapy, in-service education, and staff meetings. In addition, Behavioral Health Technician may communicate with patients family as needed. Typically requires an associate's degree of psychology or its equivalent. Typically reports to Registered Nurse (RN) or other supervisor. Being a Behavioral Health Technician gains or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Works under moderate supervision. Working as a Behavioral Health Technician typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Behavioral Health Director - Average Salary $129,662
Behavioral Health Director oversees the study and treatment of patients with emotional, mental, or psychological disorders. Develops, implements, and updates strategic initiatives, programs, and services. Being a Behavioral Health Director manages and directs the operations of behavioral health services. Uses knowledge of behavioral health research and trends to ensure the department's practices are up-to-date and effective. Additionally, Behavioral Health Director establishes training programs and supports and supervises staff. Ensures all behavioral health operations comply with clinical guidelines and regulations. Requires an advanced degree in psychology or related field. Typically reports to top management. The Behavioral Health Director manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be a Behavioral Health Director typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
VP of Behavioral Health - Average Salary $175,218
VP of Behavioral Health plans and directs all aspects of a healthcare organization's behavioral health function. Develops and implements the strategic vision, service offerings, and operations of the behavioral health department. Being a VP of Behavioral Health collaborates with other clinical specialties to ensure behavioral health services align and integrate with organizational objectives. Provides comprehensive and current knowledge of behavioral health research and trends to provide up-to-date and effective practices. Additionally, VP of Behavioral Health establishes training programs for all levels of staff. Ensures all behavioral health operations comply with clinical guidelines and regulations. Requires an advanced degree in psychology. Typically reports to top management. The VP of Behavioral Health manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. To be a VP of Behavioral Health typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.