📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Mental Health Counselor Salary in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas · 17.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$44,579
per year
Median
$41,259
per year
Hourly
$21.43
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$29,113
25th Percentile — Junior$37,634
50th Percentile — Median$41,259
75th Percentile — Senior$56,806
90th Percentile — Top Earners$64,020
💡 Top-earning Mental Health Counselors in Arkansas make up to $64,020 per year. The job market in Arkansas is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$34.6k
2021
$36.4k
2022
$38.3k
2023
$40.3k
2024
$42.4k
2025
$44.6k
2026
📈 Mental Health Counselor salaries in Arkansas have followed the national trend with 5.2% annual growth. The strong demand in Arkansas's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Mental Health Counselor Salary by City in Arkansas
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Little Rock $37,001 -17.0% Very High
🔍
Mental Health Counselor Job Market in Arkansas
Key factors affecting compensation

Arkansas is home to a moderate job market for Mental Health Counselors. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $44,579 per year, Arkansas's Mental Health Counselor salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Arkansas (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Arkansas can expect to earn $29,113–$37,634, while experienced Mental Health Counselors can command $56,806–$64,020.

Looking ahead, the Mental Health Counselor profession in Arkansas is projected to grow at 5.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Mental Health Counselor salary in Arkansas is $44,579 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $53,710.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Mental Health Counselors the highest wages in Arkansas due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Arkansas has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing. Opportunities exist in for Mental Health Counselor employment.
  • At $44,579/year, Arkansas Mental Health Counselor salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $53,710/year.