Mental Health Counselor Salary in North Carolina (2026)
North Carolina · 9.0% below national average · Very High Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | $46,921 | -4.0% | Very High |
| Raleigh | $47,898 | -2.0% | Very High |
| Greensboro | $43,988 | -10.0% | Very High |
| Durham | $47,410 | -3.0% | Very High |
| Winston-Salem | $42,522 | -13.0% | Very High |
North Carolina is home to a strong job market for Mental Health Counselors. The state's key industries — Technology, Finance, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $48,876 per year, North Carolina's Mental Health Counselor salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average.
The cost of living in North Carolina (index: 0.91) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in North Carolina can expect to earn $31,920–$41,262, while experienced Mental Health Counselors can command $62,281–$70,190.
Looking ahead, the Mental Health Counselor profession in North Carolina is projected to grow at 5.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
-
What is the average Mental Health Counselor salary in North Carolina?The average Mental Health Counselor salary in North Carolina is $48,876 per year in 2026, which is 9.0% below the national average of $53,710.
-
What city in North Carolina pays Mental Health Counselors the most?Major metro areas typically pay Mental Health Counselors the highest wages in North Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
-
Is North Carolina a good state for Mental Health Counselors?North Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Technology, Finance, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Mental Health Counselor employment.
-
How does North Carolina Mental Health Counselor salary compare to the US average?At $48,876/year, North Carolina Mental Health Counselor salaries are 9.0% lower than the national average of $53,710/year.