How much do mental health experts make?

Salary for mental health experts depends largely on experience level. Typically entry-level mental health workers should expect to earn around $20,000 to $30,000 in a year. In contrast, a mental health expert with over five years of experience can earn upwards of $50,000 in a year.

Some mental health experts who work in hospitals or residential facilities that operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, will make more money if they work night shifts and holidays. They can also have access to receive bonuses for their work which can raise base salaries.

Typically mental health experts make the most money at psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals and the least at residential intellectual and developmental disability facilities. Average salaries at the former are usually around $33,000, while at the latter typically are around $24,000.

With an increased focus on autism spectrum disorders, developmental disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health conditions, there is a growing demand for mental health jobs, and rising salaries in the profession will likely be one result.