Position
Salary

How much does a Licensed Professional Counselor make?

The average salary for a Licensed Professional Counselor is $93,638 per year in the US.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) play an important role in helping individuals deal with mental health issues. They provide therapy and support to clients of all ages. Their work makes a big difference in people's lives. Understanding the salary for this profession can guide those looking to start or advance in this career.

LPCs earn a competitive salary. According to recent data, the average yearly salary for an LPC is around $93,638. The salary can vary based on experience and location. Some LPCs make less than $60,636, while others make more than $217,000. The top earners usually have many years of experience or work in high-demand areas. Here are some salary points for different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $45,000 - $60,636
  • Mid-level: $76,273 - $107,545
  • Senior-level: $138,818 - $217,000

This range shows that LPCs have the chance to increase their salary as they gain experience. Many opportunities exist in hospitals, private practices, and community health centers. Some LPCs may also choose to specialize in areas like marriage counseling or addiction therapy, which can lead to higher earnings.

View Licensed Professional Counselor jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Licensed Professional Counselor?

Licensed Professional Counselors can find great opportunities in several cities. Stamford, CT, offers the highest average salary at $189,500. Other top-paying cities include Cedar Rapids, IA, and Fort Wayne, IN. These cities show strong demand and excellent pay for those in the field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Licensed Professional Counselor jobs, highlighting Stamford, CT with the highest at $189,500 and Jackson, MS with the lowest at $161,405.
  1. Stamford, CT
    Average Salary: $189,500
    Stamford offers a dynamic environment for mental health professionals. With several healthcare institutions, counselors find ample opportunities. Major employers include Stamford Health and Hartford HealthCare.
    Find Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in Stamford, CT


  2. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $180,718
    Cedar Rapids provides a supportive community for mental health services. Many local schools and clinics seek qualified counselors. Key employers include UnityPoint Health and Cedar Rapids Mental Health Center.
    Find Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA


  3. Fort Wayne, IN
    Average Salary: $172,046
    Fort Wayne is a growing city for mental health professionals. It has a variety of settings, from private practices to community centers. Parkview Health and Lutheran Hospital are prominent employers.
    Find Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in Fort Wayne, IN


  4. New Haven, CT
    Average Salary: $170,052
    New Haven offers many opportunities for those in mental health. The city’s academic institutions provide diverse settings. Yale New Haven Health and Community Health Resources are major employers.
    Find Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in New Haven, CT


  5. Honolulu, HI
    Average Salary: $169,236
    Honolulu offers a unique blend of urban and tropical settings. Counselors can work in schools, clinics, and private practices. Kaiser Permanente Hawaii and Hawaii State Department of Health are key employers.
    Find Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in Honolulu, HI


  6. Bakersfield, CA
    Average Salary: $165,165
    Bakersfield provides a range of opportunities for mental health services. The city’s healthcare facilities are always in need of qualified counselors. Major employers include Kern Medical Center and Adventist Health.
    Find Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in Bakersfield, CA


  7. Fayetteville, AR
    Average Salary: $163,255
    Fayettelle offers a community-focused environment for mental health professionals. It has several healthcare providers seeking qualified counselors. Northwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center is a prominent employer.
    Find Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in Fayetteville, AR


  8. Wichita, KS
    Average Salary: $162,161
    Wichita provides a vibrant setting for mental health services. Many local healthcare facilities need qualified counselors. Wesley Medical Center and Via Christi Hospitals are key employers.
    Find Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in Wichita, KS


  9. Little Rock, AR
    Average Salary: $161,536
    Little Rock offers a supportive environment for mental health professionals. The city has many opportunities in various settings. Major employers include Arkansas Children's Hospital and Baptist Health.
    Find Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in Little Rock, AR


  10. Jackson, MS
    Average Salary: $161,405
    Jackson provides a range of opportunities for mental health services. The city’s healthcare facilities are often seeking qualified counselors. Major employers include University of Mississippi Medical Center and St. Dominic's Hospital.
    Find Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in Jackson, MS

What are the best companies a Licensed Professional Counselor can work for?

Job seekers with a Licensed Professional Counselor license can explore top-tier salary opportunities at The NBN Group and Newborn Nurses. Both companies offer average salaries exceeding $170,000 annually. These positions not only provide competitive pay but also valuable professional growth. Other notable companies include Brightside Health and Great Lakes Psychology Group, offering average salaries above $135,000. These companies prioritize mental health services and provide a supportive work environment. Exploring these roles can lead to a fulfilling career with excellent compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Licensed Professional Counselor jobs, highlighting The NBN Group with the highest at $170,000 and Heritage Oaks Hospital with the lowest at $101,636.
  1. The NBN Group
    Average Salary: $170,000
    The NBN Group offers rewarding Licensed Professional Counselor positions. They focus on mental health care and operate in multiple locations. They emphasize a supportive work environment and professional development.


  2. Newborn Nurses
    Average Salary: $170,000
    Newborn Nurses provides high-paying roles for Licensed Professional Counselors. They focus on health and wellness. They have offices in key areas, offering a range of services.


  3. Brightside Health
    Average Salary: $161,243
    Brightside Health is a leading company in mental health. They offer competitive salaries for Licensed Professional Counselors. They operate in various locations, providing flexible and remote work options.


  4. Great Lakes Psychology Group
    Average Salary: $135,973
    Great Lakes Psychology Group offers rewarding roles for Licensed Professional Counselors. They focus on mental health services and have offices in key regions. They emphasize teamwork and professional growth.


  5. Telemynd
    Average Salary: $128,000
    Telemynd provides diverse opportunities for Licensed Professional Counselors. They specialize in telehealth services and have a growing presence in many locations.


  6. Alliant Personnel Resources
    Average Salary: $110,793
    Alliant Personnel Resources offers attractive salaries for Licensed Professional Counselors. They focus on staffing and have a wide network of clients in multiple locations.


  7. Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc.
    Average Salary: $110,000
    Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc. provides a range of positions for Licensed Professional Counselors. They are a leader in healthcare staffing and operate in many areas.


  8. CVS Health
    Average Salary: $103,703
    CVS Health offers opportunities for Licensed Professional Counselors. They focus on health services and have many locations across the country. They provide a supportive and dynamic work environment.


  9. The Stepping Stones Group
    Average Salary: $103,333
    The Stepping Stones Group offers rewarding roles for Licensed Professional Counselors. They emphasize mental health services and have offices in key areas. They focus on employee well-being.


  10. Heritage Oaks Hospital
    Average Salary: $101,636
    Heritage Oaks Hospital provides a range of positions for Licensed Professional Counselors. They focus on psychiatric care and have several locations. They offer a supportive and collaborative work environment.

How to earn more as a Licensed Professional Counselor?

A Licensed Professional Counselor can find several ways to increase earning potential. Focusing on specialized areas of counseling can open new income opportunities. For instance, working with specific populations like veterans or children often commands higher fees. Continuing education is also key. It allows counselors to stay current with the latest therapeutic techniques and approaches, which can make them more valuable to clients and employers alike. Building a strong reputation through positive client outcomes and referrals can lead to a higher demand for services.

Another way to earn more is to explore diverse work settings. Counseling positions in corporate environments, schools, or private practices often have different pay scales. Taking on administrative roles or teaching at universities can also provide additional income streams. Finally, counselors who pursue licensure in multiple states can increase their earning potential by expanding their client base across state lines. Each of these strategies offers the potential for increased earnings and professional growth.

Here are five factors that can help a Licensed Professional Counselor earn more:

  1. Specialize in a niche area of counseling.
  2. Pursue continuing education to stay updated.
  3. Build a strong reputation in the community.
  4. Explore diverse work settings and roles.
  5. Obtain licensure in multiple states.

Currently 1,089 Licensed Professional Counselor job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Licensed Professional Counselor in the US?

Learn what a Licensed Professional Counselor does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Licensed Professional Counselor today.
Position
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Licensed Professional Counselor
1,089 Job Openings