How Much Does a Mental Health Specialist Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Mental Health Specialist in California is $45,025. While Salary.com is seeing that Mental Health Specialist salary in CA can go up to $55,489 or down to $35,985, but most earn between $40,293 and $50,502. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Similar Job Salaries to Mental Health Specialist by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
CoreCivic
Mental Health Specialist PRN
$75,873/yr
$68,303
$83,442
RANGE: $68,303 - $83,442
Stars Behavioral Health Group
Mental Health Specialist II
$143,010/yr
$127,767
$158,254
RANGE: $127,767 - $158,254
Weatherby Healthcare
Mental Health Specialist for Kids
$81,630/yr
$74,636
$88,624
RANGE: $74,636 - $88,624
County of Contra Costa, California
Mental Health Specialist II
$139,567/yr
$125,362
$153,772
RANGE: $125,362 - $153,772
Alliant Personnel Resources
Mental Health Specialist
$66,266/yr
$59,394
$73,139
RANGE: $59,394 - $73,139
County of Orange
Mental Health Specialist
$79,642/yr
$70,723
$88,562
RANGE: $70,723 - $88,562
New School for Child Development
Mental Health Rehab Specialist
$131,000/yr
$117,715
$144,285
RANGE: $117,715 - $144,285
Headway
Remote Mental Health Specialist
$52,836/yr
$47,747
$57,926
RANGE: $47,747 - $57,926
Jobleads-US
Mental Health Care Specialist
$181,464/yr
$166,077
$196,851
RANGE: $166,077 - $196,851
Jobleads-US
Mental Health Specialist
$57,724/yr
$50,955
$64,492
RANGE: $50,955 - $64,492

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Mental Health Specialist Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Mental Health Specialist can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Mental Health Specialist job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Mental Health Specialist jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Mental Health Specialist positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Mental Health Specialist salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Mental Health Specialist salary is $51,487 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Mental Health Specialist salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Mental Health Specialist in California is $45,025, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Mental Health Specialist jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Mental Health Specialist jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $51,487 $4,291 $990 $25
Santa Clara $51,487 $4,291 $990 $25
Fremont $51,389 $4,282 $988 $25
San Francisco $50,980 $4,248 $980 $25
Daly City $50,980 $4,248 $980 $25
Berkeley $49,850 $4,154 $959 $24
Oakland $49,850 $4,154 $959 $24
Hayward $49,768 $4,147 $957 $24
Antioch $47,033 $3,919 $904 $23
Vallejo $45,923 $3,827 $883 $22

What Does a Mental Health Specialist Do?

– strong verbal and written communication skills are key when speaking with patients and other mental health professionals, and when writing progress reports and patient notes.
Updated November 21, 2021
– mental health specialists must be willing and open participants when working with clinic directors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other professionals, as well as patient families when needed.
Updated November 02, 2021
In this role, mental health specialists ensure that all information contained in patient records is accurate and updated.
Updated October 28, 2021
Family nurse practitioners and mental health professionals should work together to determine an individual’s best treatment plan.
Updated October 27, 2021
– in many cases, mental health specialists are required to possess basic knowledge of first aid and CPR.
Updated October 06, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Mental Health Specialist Salaries

What is the average of a Mental Health Specialist in California?

The Mental Health Specialist salary range is from $40,293 to $50,502, and the average Mental Health Specialist salary is $45,025/year in California. The Mental Health Specialist's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Mental Health Specialist salary in the United States?

The Mental Health Specialist salary in San Jose, CA is $51,487 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Mental Health Specialist's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Mental Health Specialist.

What is the growth rate of the Mental Health Specialist's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Mental Health Specialist or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Mental Health Specialist.