📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Mental Health Counselors Salary in Kentucky (2026)

Kentucky · 17.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$47,899
per year
Median
$44,579
per year
Hourly
$23.03
per hour
📅 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$31,645
25th Percentile — Junior$40,332
50th Percentile — Median$44,579
75th Percentile — Senior$59,877
90th Percentile — Top Earners$67,074
💡 Top-earning Mental Health Counselorss in Kentucky make up to $67,074 per year. The job market in Kentucky is rated moderate, with key industries including Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$39.4k
2021
$40.9k
2022
$42.6k
2023
$44.3k
2024
$46.1k
2025
$47.9k
2026
📈 Mental Health Counselors salaries in Kentucky have followed the national trend with 4.0% annual growth. The strong demand in Kentucky's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Mental Health Counselors Salary by City in Kentucky
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Louisville $40,235 -16.0% High
Lexington $40,235 -16.0% High
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Mental Health Counselors Job Market in Kentucky
Key factors affecting compensation

Kentucky is home to a moderate job market for Mental Health Counselorss. The state's key industries — Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $47,899 per year, Kentucky's Mental Health Counselors salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Kentucky (index: 0.83) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Kentucky can expect to earn $31,645–$40,332, while experienced Mental Health Counselorss can command $59,877–$67,074.

Looking ahead, the Mental Health Counselors profession in Kentucky is projected to grow at 4.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Manufacturing 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 Counselors salary in Kentucky is $47,899 per year in 2026, which is 17.0% below the national average of $57,710.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Mental Health Counselorss the highest wages in Kentucky due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Kentucky has a moderate job market with major industries in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture. Opportunities exist in for Mental Health Counselors employment.
  • At $47,899/year, Kentucky Mental Health Counselors salaries are 17.0% lower than the national average of $57,710/year.