The 10^th annual Behavioral Health Salary & Benefits Report, published by Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS), is now available. A comparison of the 2025 and 2026 Reports showed national hourly rates for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCCs) increased 2.48%. The national hourly rate in 2026 was $40.57 compared to $39.59 in 2025. This represents a decrease from the last year’s increase of 4.13%. (Data above represent the 50^th percentile.) Overall, increases granted in 2026 were less robust than those granted in 2025.

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501 behavioral health facilities/programs nationwide participated in the study and provided data on 33,602 employees. 74.85% of participants were not-for-profit facilities; 25.15% reporting were for-profit facilities. The results cover hourly and bonus data for 55+ jobs, with data breakouts categorized by region, state, CBSA, profit type, and facility type (Hospital + CHCs vs Non-hospital + Non-CHCs).

Also included are 11 fringe benefits, sign-on bonus data, turnover and vacancy rates by department, shift differentials, and actual and projected salary increases. The Report is available for $400. To order online, visit the HCS website at www.hhcsinc.com or call (201) 405-0075.