📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Mental Health Counselor Salary in Washington (2026)

Washington · 25.0% above national average · Very High Demand

Average
$67,138
per year
Median
$62,138
per year
Hourly
$32.28
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$43,846
25th Percentile — Junior$56,678
50th Percentile — Median$62,138
75th Percentile — Senior$85,551
90th Percentile — Top Earners$96,416
💡 Top-earning Mental Health Counselors in Washington make up to $96,416 per year. The job market in Washington is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$52.1k
2021
$54.8k
2022
$57.7k
2023
$60.7k
2024
$63.8k
2025
$67.1k
2026
📈 Mental Health Counselor salaries in Washington have followed the national trend with 5.2% annual growth. The strong demand in Washington's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Mental Health Counselor Salary by City in Washington
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Seattle $92,650 +38.0% Very High
Spokane $67,138 +0.0% Very High
Tacoma $80,566 +20.0% Very High
🔍
Mental Health Counselor Job Market in Washington
Key factors affecting compensation

Washington is home to a very strong job market for Mental Health Counselors. The state's key industries — Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $67,138 per year, Washington's Mental Health Counselor salaries are 25.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Washington (index: 1.25) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Washington can expect to earn $43,846–$56,678, while experienced Mental Health Counselors can command $85,551–$96,416.

Looking ahead, the Mental Health Counselor profession in Washington 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.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Mental Health Counselor salary in Washington is $67,138 per year in 2026, which is 25.0% above the national average of $53,710.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Mental Health Counselors the highest wages in Washington due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Washington has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Mental Health Counselor employment.
  • At $67,138/year, Washington Mental Health Counselor salaries are 25.0% higher than the national average of $53,710/year.