How much does a Licensed Professional Counselor make?
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) play a vital role in mental health and counseling. Their work can be very rewarding, both emotionally and financially. The average yearly salary for LPCs is around $86,000. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of facility where they work.
The salary range for LPCs can be quite broad. At the lower end, LPCs may earn about $42,000. As they gain more experience, their earnings can increase significantly. At the higher end, some LPCs earn over $180,000 a year. This depends on factors like working in a specialized area or having a private practice. There are also opportunities to increase earnings through additional certifications and continuing education. Overall, becoming an LPC can lead to a stable and potentially lucrative career in helping others.
What are the highest paying cities for a Licensed Professional Counselor?

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Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $195,859
In Stamford, mental health professionals enjoy a robust community. Stamford's healthcare facilities provide excellent opportunities for growth. Notable employers include Stamford Health and Hartford Healthcare.
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New Haven, CT
Average Salary: $193,708
New Haven offers a vibrant environment for those in the counseling field. The city’s academic presence, including Yale University, creates diverse caseloads. The presence of organizations like Wheeler Clinic ensures ample job prospects.
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Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $172,634
Honolulu provides a unique setting for counseling professionals. The city’s emphasis on community well-being makes it a rewarding place to work. Employers like Hawaii Island Recovery and The Queens Medical Center offer good opportunities.
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Provo, UT
Average Salary: $167,218
In Provo, counseling professionals benefit from a supportive community. The strong educational institutions, like BYU, present varied clientele. Companies like Intermountain Healthcare offer excellent career paths.
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Fayetteville, AR
Average Salary: $164,355
Fayetteling, AR, is a great place for mental health professionals. The university environment offers diverse counseling needs. Companies like NWA Healthcare and Arkansas Children's Hospital provide strong career options.
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Little Rock, AR
Average Salary: $159,432
Little Rock offers numerous opportunities for those in the counseling field. The city's healthcare system is strong, with facilities like Baptist Health and Arkansas Department of Health being prominent employers.
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Fresno, CA
Average Salary: $159,339
Fresno provides a welcoming environment for mental health professionals. The city’s diverse population offers rich experiences. Organizations like Kaiser Permanente and Community Medical Centers are key employers.
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Bakersfield, CA
Average Salary: $157,765
Bakersfield is a great city for counseling professionals. The healthcare sector here is expanding, providing good job opportunities. Companies like Kern Medical Center and Adventist Health are notable employers.
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Wichita, KS
Average Salary: $157,705
Wichita offers a vibrant community for mental health professionals. The city’s commitment to healthcare creates good career prospects. Employers like Wesley Medical Center and Via Christi Hospitals provide solid opportunities.
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Salem, OR
Average Salary: $156,389
Salem provides a supportive environment for counseling professionals. The city’s healthcare system is strong, with many opportunities at places like Salem Health and Oregon State Hospital.
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What are the best companies a Licensed Professional Counselor can work for?

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Brightside Health
Average Salary: $178,889
Brightside Health focuses on mental health care. It operates in various locations, offering Licensed Professional Counselor jobs that promise a high salary. They have offices in New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.
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The NBN Group
Average Salary: $170,000
The NBN Group offers counseling services and wellness programs. Licensed Professional Counselors at The NBN Group work across multiple states, including California and New York. They value mental health professionals, providing a competitive salary.
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Great Lakes Psychology Group
Average Salary: $150,313
Great Lakes Psychology Group provides behavioral health services. Licensed Professional Counselors here work in cities like Chicago and Detroit. They offer excellent pay and a supportive work environment.
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Telemynd
Average Salary: $125,000
Telemynd offers telehealth services for mental health. Licensed Professional Counselors with Telemynd work remotely, serving clients nationwide. They provide a good salary for their professionals.
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San Ysidro Health
Average Salary: $118,902
San Ysidro Health provides healthcare services in Southern California. They offer Licensed Professional Counselor jobs in their San Diego offices. They value mental health and offer a solid salary for their staff.
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Legacy Personnel Inc
Average Salary: $113,691
Legacy Personnel Inc offers staffing services with a focus on mental health. Licensed Professional Counselors here work in locations across the country. They provide a good salary and flexible work options.
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Northeast Family Services
Average Salary: $113,313
Northeast Family Services provides mental health care in the Northeast. Licensed Professional Counselors work in cities like Boston and Philadelphia. They offer a good salary and a supportive work environment.
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Alliant Personnel Resources
Average Salary: $110,769
Alliant Personnel Resources offers staffing solutions for behavioral health. Licensed Professional Counselors here work in various locations, including Los Angeles and New York. They provide a fair salary and professional growth opportunities.
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Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc.
Average Salary: $110,000
Healthcare Staffing Professionals, Inc. offers jobs for mental health professionals. Licensed Professional Counselors work in cities like Dallas and Atlanta. They offer a good salary and a chance to make a difference.
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CVS Health
Average Salary: $104,429
CVS Health provides health care services nationwide. Licensed Professional Counselors here work in locations across the country. They offer a solid salary and opportunities for career advancement.
How to earn more as a Licensed Professional Counselor?
Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) opens up many career opportunities. However, your earning potential can grow with the right strategies. Success in this field often depends on several key factors.
Here are some ways to increase your earnings as an LPC:
- Specialize in a niche: Focus on a specific area such as trauma, addiction, or child counseling. Specializing can make you more valuable to clients and employers.
- Expand your qualifications: Consider additional certifications or advanced degrees. Higher qualifications can lead to better job offers and higher pay.
- Build a strong reputation: Get positive reviews and referrals from clients. A good reputation can attract more clients and allow you to charge higher rates.
- Increase your hours: Offer more hours or sessions each week. More hours can mean more income.
- Explore various settings: Work in high-demand areas like schools, hospitals, or private practices. Different settings may offer different pay scales.



