As of January 01, 2026, the average annual salary for forensic mental health counselor in the US is $67,833, equivalent to $33 per hour, $1,304 weekly, or $5,653 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for forensic mental health counselor in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.

Annually Salaries for forensic mental health counselor in the US vary widely, spanning from $57,542 to $83,990. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($62,446) and 75th percentile ($76,290), while top earners (90th percentile) make $83,990 per year. This $13,844 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like or , or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, District of Columbia forensic mental health counselor often earn 10.7% above national averages due to demand from Fortune 71 companies and industry startups. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
forensic mental health counselor Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile forensic mental health counselor Salary $57,542 US January 01, 2026
25th Percentile forensic mental health counselor Salary $62,446 US January 01, 2026
50th Percentile forensic mental health counselor Salary $67,833 US January 01, 2026
75th Percentile forensic mental health counselor Salary $76,290 US January 01, 2026
90th Percentile forensic mental health counselor Salary $83,990 US January 01, 2026
25% $62,446 10% $57,542 90% $83,990 75% $76,290 $67,833 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
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What is A forensic mental health counselor ?

Forensic mental health counselors specialize in assessing and treating individuals involved in the legal system, including those with mental health issues related to criminal behavior. Their responsibilities include conducting psychological evaluations, providing therapy, and offering expert testimony in court. Salaries for forensic mental health counselors can vary widely based on factors such as education, experience, geographic location, and the specific employer. On average, these professionals earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, with potential for higher earnings in specialized rol...

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Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
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76290
67833

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
57198
74152
65253
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of forensic mental health counselor in the United States. The base salary for forensic mental health counselor ranges from $62,446 to $76,290 with the average base salary of $67,833. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $57,198 to $74,152 with the average total cash compensation of $65,253.

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62446
76290