Position
Salary

How much does a Mental Health Director make?

The average salary for a Mental Health Director is $105,583 per year in the US.

A Mental Health Director plays a crucial role in managing mental health services. They earn a respectable salary for their efforts. The average yearly salary is $105,583. This means many directors find this role both challenging and rewarding.

The salary range for Mental Health Directors can vary. The lowest 10 percent earn $68,500, while the top 10 percent can make over $250,000. Most directors fall between these two points, showing a wide range of potential earnings. Directors with more experience or working in larger organizations often earn more. This offers a chance for growth and higher pay as one's career progresses.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Mental Health Director?

Mental Health Directors can find some of the best-paying opportunities in California. San Diego and Los Angeles offer high salaries for this role, with averages of $118,967 and $104,965, respectively. Washington, DC, and Chicago, IL, also provide competitive wages, with averages of $114,355 and $93,902. These cities value mental health services highly, making them great places for professionals to advance their careers. Securing a position in one of these locations can lead to both financial rewards and career growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Mental Health Director jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $118,967 and Chicago, IL with the lowest at $93,902.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $118,967
    In San Diego, a leader in mental health services can work with renowned healthcare organizations. With the mild climate and a strong focus on community wellness, this city offers many opportunities to make a significant impact. The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency is a notable employer in this field.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $114,355
    As a mental health leader in Washington, DC, one can find numerous opportunities with government agencies and non-profits. The city’s diverse population means there is a great need for mental health services. The Department of Behavioral Health is a key employer in this vibrant city.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Washington, DC


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $104,965
    In Los Angeles, mental health professionals have a chance to lead in a diverse and bustling environment. The city is home to various clinics and hospitals offering comprehensive mental health services. Notable employers include the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and various private clinics.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  4. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $93,902
    Chicago offers a rich environment for mental health directors to thrive. The city has a strong network of mental health organizations and institutions. With the support of prominent employers like the Chicago Department of Public Health, leaders can make a meaningful difference.
    Find Mental Health Director jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the best companies a Mental Health Director can work for?

NYC Health + Hospitals pays the highest average salary for Mental Health Director jobs, offering about $128,864 a year. Wellpath provides a competitive salary of around $102,593 annually. Candidates can also consider VitalCore Health Strategies and Psychiatric Medical Care, with average salaries of $97,107 and $86,212 respectively. These companies offer attractive compensation packages for those in leadership roles in mental health.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Mental Health Director jobs, highlighting NYC Health + Hospitals with the highest at $128,864 and Psychiatric Medical Care with the lowest at $86,212.
  1. NYC Health + Hospitals
    Average Salary: $128,864
    NYC Health + Hospitals is a top choice for Mental Health Director roles. The organization operates numerous hospitals and clinics across New York City, offering directors a chance to lead mental health services in a dynamic urban setting. These positions often come with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits packages.


  2. Wellpath
    Average Salary: $102,593
    Wellpath provides rewarding opportunities for Mental Health Directors. This company operates in correctional and community settings, allowing directors to make a significant impact on mental health services. Directors work in locations across the United States, offering diverse experiences and strong career advancement.


  3. VitalCore Health Strategies
    Average Salary: $97,107
    VitalCore Health Strategies offers solid opportunities for Mental Health Directors. They serve in correctional and other institutional settings, providing essential mental health services. This company operates in several states, giving directors the chance to work in various environments and support a wide range of individuals.


  4. Psychiatric Medical Care
    Average Salary: $86,212
    Psychiatric Medical Care is a company where Mental Health Directors can thrive. They focus on delivering mental health services in correctional facilities and other institutional settings. Directors at this company often find rewarding work that makes a positive difference in many lives across different states.

How to earn more as a Mental Health Director?

Aspiring to earn more as a Mental Health Director involves a mix of education, experience, and strategic career moves. Pursuing advanced degrees can significantly enhance earning potential. A Master’s or Doctorate in psychology, counseling, or a related field often opens doors to higher-paying positions. Continuous education through workshops and certifications also keeps skills sharp and market-ready.

Building experience in diverse settings broadens a director’s skill set and network. Working in various environments like hospitals, private practices, or community health centers provides a well-rounded perspective. Gaining experience in leadership roles within these settings builds credibility and paves the way for higher-paying opportunities. Networking with peers and attending professional conferences can lead to job openings that offer better compensation packages.

Additionally, securing leadership roles or specialized positions can boost earnings. Experience as a clinical director or in administrative roles often translates to higher pay. Directors who specialize in areas like substance abuse treatment or child and adolescent mental health may command higher salaries. Locations with a higher cost of living or greater demand for mental health services also offer better pay scales.

Consider these factors for increasing earnings as a Mental Health Director:

  1. Pursue advanced degrees and certifications.
  2. Gain diverse experience in various settings.
  3. Develop leadership and specialized skills.
  4. Network actively with industry professionals.
  5. Seek roles in high-demand areas or regions.

Currently 49 Mental Health Director job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Mental Health Director in the US?

Learn what a Mental Health Director does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Mental Health Director today.
Position
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Mental Health Director
49 Job Openings