📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Mental Health Counselor Salary in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina · 12.0% below national average · Very High Demand

Average
$47,265
per year
Median
$43,745
per year
Hourly
$22.72
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
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Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$30,868
25th Percentile — Junior$39,902
50th Percentile — Median$43,745
75th Percentile — Senior$60,228
90th Percentile — Top Earners$67,877
💡 Top-earning Mental Health Counselors in South Carolina make up to $67,877 per year. The job market in South Carolina is rated strong, with key industries including Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$36.7k
2021
$38.6k
2022
$40.6k
2023
$42.7k
2024
$44.9k
2025
$47.3k
2026
📈 Mental Health Counselor salaries in South Carolina have followed the national trend with 5.2% annual growth. The strong demand in South Carolina's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Mental Health Counselor Salary by City in South Carolina
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $47,265 +0% Very High
🔍
Mental Health Counselor Job Market in South Carolina
Key factors affecting compensation

South Carolina is home to a strong job market for Mental Health Counselors. The state's key industries — Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $47,265 per year, South Carolina's Mental Health Counselor salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in South Carolina (index: 0.88) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in South Carolina can expect to earn $30,868–$39,902, while experienced Mental Health Counselors can command $60,228–$67,877.

Looking ahead, the Mental Health Counselor profession in South Carolina is projected to grow at 5.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Automotive 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 South Carolina is $47,265 per year in 2026, which is 12.0% below the national average of $53,710.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Mental Health Counselors the highest wages in South Carolina due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • South Carolina has a strong job market with major industries in Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing. This makes it one of the better states for Mental Health Counselor employment.
  • At $47,265/year, South Carolina Mental Health Counselor salaries are 12.0% lower than the national average of $53,710/year.