As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Outpatient Counselor in the United States is $67,973 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, an Outpatient Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Outpatient 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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Outpatient Counselor'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 Outpatient Counselor | $65,591 |
| Intermediate Level Outpatient Counselor | $65,990 |
| Senior Level Outpatient Counselor | $66,548 |
| Specialist Level Outpatient Counselor | $67,597 |
| Expert Level Outpatient Counselor | $70,104 |
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 Outpatient Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.24% |
| Billing | 3.7% |
| Psychotherapy | 2.9% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Integrity
|
$70,012 |
3%
|
|
Patient Care
|
$70,012 |
3%
|
|
Leadership
|
$69,333 |
2%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$69,333 |
2%
|
|
Group Therapy
|
$69,333 |
2%
|
|
Client Service
|
$68,653 |
1%
|
Understanding how an Outpatient 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for an Outpatient Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $85,837 in 2023 to around $84,604 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Outpatient Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $85,837 |
| 2024 | $85,502 |
| 2025 | $84,604 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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