BLS Official Data · OEWS May 2025

Mental Health Counselors in Alabama

BLS occupation: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (SOC 21-1018)

$54,200 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$26.06 per hour

▼ 15.9% below U.S. average47th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: OEWS May 2025 Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$54,200per year
Median$47,310per year
Hourly$26.06per hour
10th – 90th percentile$34,420 – $76,510per year

Mental Health Counselors Pay Range in Alabama

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$34,420
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$39,430
  • 50th Percentile — Median$47,310
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$62,670
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$76,510

Half of Mental Health Counselors in Alabama earn more than $47,310. The top 10% make $76,510 or more, while entry-level workers start around $34,420.

Mental Health Counselors in Alabama: Key Facts

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025

  • Alabama ranks 47th of 51 states for Mental Health Counselors pay, at $54,200 per year (15.9% below the U.S. average of $64,440).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $34,420; the top 10% earn over $76,510.
  • Hourly equivalent: $26.06 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Alaska at $86,500.
  • Among social services jobs in Alabama, Health Education Specialists pays the most ($65,140).

Mental Health Counselors Job Market in Alabama

Key factors affecting compensation

Alabama's key industries are Automotive, Aerospace, Agriculture, and its job market is rated moderate. Mental Health Counselors here earn $54,200 on average, placing the state 47th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.87 (U.S. = 1.00), a Alabama salary of $54,200 is roughly equivalent to $62,299 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Delaware ($57,330), Pennsylvania ($57,170), South Carolina ($55,880) are the closest alternatives for Mental Health Counselors weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Mental Health Counselors salary in Alabama?

The average Mental Health Counselors salary in Alabama is $54,200 per year (median $47,310), which is 15.9% below the national average of $64,440.

How does Alabama rank for Mental Health Counselors pay?

Alabama ranks 47th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Alaska ($86,500/yr).

How much do entry-level Mental Health Counselors make in Alabama?

The lowest-paid 10% of Mental Health Counselors in Alabama earn about $34,420 per year and the 25th percentile is $39,430.

How much do Mental Health Counselors make per hour in Alabama?

About $26.06 per hour, based on the $54,200 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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