Mental HealthUpdated Q1 2026

Mental Health Counselor Salary
in Lowell, MA

Counsel individuals with mental health disorders, substance abuse, and life challenges. Median salary in Lowell: $66K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$66K
per year
Take-home: $43K

Salary range in Lowell

Entry level (25th)$50,000
Median (50th)$66,000
Senior (75th)$87,000
Top earner (90th)$116,000
Data freshness

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

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What the numbers say for Lowell

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

18% premium vs national median

Mental Health Counselors in Lowell earn approximately 18% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $10,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Lowell's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 47% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Lowell ($1,700/mo) consumes approximately 47% of an after-tax median Mental Health Counselor salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($87K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Key facts for Lowell

Median salary
$66K
annual
Take-home pay
$43K
after fed/state tax
COL index
118
100 = US avg
State income tax
5%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,700
per month
YoY growth
+5.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Lowell Mental Health Counselor to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $66K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Lowell

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

HistoricalProjected
Mental Health Counselor salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$55K$60K$65K$70K$75K201920212023202520272029
2026
$68K
projected
2027
$69K
projected
2028
$71K
projected
2029
$73K
projected
2030
$75K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$66,000+$0
2028 projected$66,000+$0
2029 projected$66,000+$0
2030 projected$66,000+$0

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

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Mental Health Counselor Salary in Lowell, Massachusetts: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Mental Health Counselor salary in Lowell, MA is $66,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Lowell–MA 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 Mental Health Counselor in Lowell

Entry-level Mental Health Counselors in Lowell with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $50,000 and $66,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $66,000 to $87,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $87,000 to $116,000 or more.

Cost of living in Lowell for Mental Health Counselors

Lowell has a cost of living index of 118 compared to the US national average of 100. Lowell's cost of living is above the US average, so the salary figures above reflect local market rates. Massachusetts has a 5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Mental Health Counselor

Master's in Counseling or Psychology; state license. 50% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Mental Health Counselor salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Lowell (current)$66K118
Boston$73K162
Worcester$66K120
Springfield$59K105
Cambridge$104K185