Entry-level Mental Health Counselor salary in Chicago, IL
Based on 12 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage level I in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, FY2025–FY2026. Includes Evanston, Dekalb, Naperville, Forest Park, Wheaton.
Also listed as: Therapist
Median salary$51,363
Middle 50%$50.4k–$53.9k
vs. all levels here−18%comparison median $62,727
Filings12FY2025–FY2026 · latest two fiscal years
Salary range
All levels here
$30k$40k$50k$60k$70k$80k
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $46,561 |
| 25th | $50,400 |
| 50th (median) | $51,363 |
| 75th | $53,875 |
| 90th | $57,916 |
Cost of living
Chicago's median entry-level Mental Health Counselor salary of $51,363 is worth about $49,600 at national average prices.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (U.S. = 100; Chicago = 103.6).
Employers filing at this level
| Employer | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Pilsen-Little Village Community Mental Health Center | too few | 4 |
| Midwest Asian Health Association | too few | 2 |
| Rodney J Benson PhD and Associates | too few | 2 |
Employers with at least 2 filings here. Median shown at 10+ filings.
By experience level
| Wage level | Median | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $51,363 | 12 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $59,500 | 24 |
| Senior · Level III | too few | 3 |
| Expert · Level IV | $94,500 | 12 |
Median shown when a level has at least 10 filings.
Minimum H-1B salary by level
| Wage level | Prevailing wage (most common) | Median offered salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level · Level I | $42,536 | $51,363 | 12 |
| Mid-level · Level II | $57,803 | $59,500 | 24 |
| Expert · Level IV | $75,400 | $94,500 | 12 |
The prevailing wage is the minimum an employer must pay for this job and area. Amounts vary by county within a metro and by wage source.