As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mental Health Nurse in the United States is $53,728 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Mental Health Nurse's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mental Health Nurse'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 Nurse'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 Nurse | $52,951 |
| Intermediate Level Mental Health Nurse | $53,179 |
| Senior Level Mental Health Nurse | $53,499 |
| Specialist Level Mental Health Nurse | $54,047 |
| Expert Level Mental Health Nurse | $54,960 |
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 Nurses. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.3% |
| Patient Care | 6.22% |
| Medication Administration | 2.22% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Self-Directed
|
$76,293 |
42%
|
|
Home Care
|
$61,249 |
14%
|
|
Communication Skills
|
$60,712 |
13%
|
|
Infection Control
|
$59,638 |
11%
|
|
Assisted Living
|
$58,563 |
9%
|
|
Safety Standards
|
$58,026 |
8%
|
Understanding how a Mental Health Nurse'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Mental Health Nurse can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $62,689 in 2023 to around $62,235 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Mental Health Nurse salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $62,689 |
| 2024 | $63,157 |
| 2025 | $62,235 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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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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