Mental HealthUpdated Q1 2026

Mental Health Counselor Salary
in Worcester, MA

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

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

Salary range in Worcester

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

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Key facts for Worcester

Median salary
$66K
annual
Take-home pay
$43K
after fed/state tax
COL index
120
100 = US avg
State income tax
5%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,800
per month
YoY growth
+5.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Worcester 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€” Worcester

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 Worcester, Massachusetts: Complete Guide (2026)

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

Entry-level Mental Health Counselors in Worcester 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 Worcester for Mental Health Counselors

Worcester has a cost of living index of 120 compared to the US national average of 100. Worcester'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
Worcester (current)$66K120
Boston$73K162
Springfield$59K105
Cambridge$104K185
Lowell$66K118