Mental Health Counselor Salary in District of Columbia (2026)
District of Columbia · 52.0% above national average · Very High Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $124,091 | +52.0% | Very High |
District of Columbia is home to a very strong job market for Mental Health Counselors. The state's key industries — Government, Finance, Technology — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $81,639 per year, District of Columbia's Mental Health Counselor salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in District of Columbia (index: 1.52) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in District of Columbia can expect to earn $53,316–$68,920, while experienced Mental Health Counselors can command $104,030–$117,242.
Looking ahead, the Mental Health Counselor profession in District of Columbia is projected to grow at 5.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Government continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
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What is the average Mental Health Counselor salary in District of Columbia?The average Mental Health Counselor salary in District of Columbia is $81,639 per year in 2026, which is 52.0% above the national average of $53,710.
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What city in District of Columbia pays Mental Health Counselors the most?Major metro areas typically pay Mental Health Counselors the highest wages in District of Columbia due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
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Is District of Columbia a good state for Mental Health Counselors?District of Columbia has a very strong job market with major industries in Government, Finance, Technology. This makes it one of the better states for Mental Health Counselor employment.
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How does District of Columbia Mental Health Counselor salary compare to the US average?At $81,639/year, District of Columbia Mental Health Counselor salaries are 52.0% higher than the national average of $53,710/year.