Mental HealthUpdated Q1 2026

Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC) Salary
in Aurora, IL

Provide individual and family therapy for mental health and relationship issues. Median salary in Aurora: $59K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$59K
per year
Take-home: $39K

Salary range in Aurora

Entry level (25th)$46,000
Median (50th)$59,000
Senior (75th)$78,000
Top earner (90th)$103,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Aurora, Illinois. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Aurora

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above β€” specific to this role and city.

5% discount vs national median

Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC)s in Aurora earn approximately 5% lower than the US national median for this role β€” a $3,000 discount on annual base salary. Aurora's lower wage level partially reflects the area's cost-of-living index of 95 (US avg = 100).

Rent eats 40% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Aurora ($1,300/mo) consumes approximately 40% of an after-tax median Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC) salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($78K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Aurora

Median salary
$59K
annual
Take-home pay
$39K
after fed/state tax
COL index
95
100 = US avg
State income tax
4.95%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,300
per month
YoY growth
+5.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Aurora Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC) to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $59K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Aurora

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC) salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$49K$54K$58K$63K$67K201920212023202520272029
2026
$60K
projected
2027
$62K
projected
2028
$64K
projected
2029
$65K
projected
2030
$67K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$59,000+$0
2028 projected$59,000+$0
2029 projected$59,000+$0
2030 projected$59,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC) Salary in Aurora, Illinois: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC) salary in Aurora, IL is $59,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Aurora–IL metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC) in Aurora

Entry-level Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC)s in Aurora with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $46,000 and $59,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $59,000 to $78,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $78,000 to $103,000 or more.

Cost of living in Aurora for Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC)s

Aurora has a cost of living index of 95 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 5% further in Aurora than the national average. Illinois has a 4.95% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC)

Master's in Counseling; LMFT or LPC license. This role is 55% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Aurora-based professionals.

Licensed Therapist (LMFT/LPC) salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Aurora (current)$59K95
Chicago$69K107
Joliet$56K90
Naperville$73K118
Rockford$50K80