New Study Shows Mental Health Clinician Pay Increases 4.58%
Oakland, NJ, May 2019 – The 3rd annual Behavioral Health Salary & Benefits Report, published by Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS), is now available. A comparison of the national 50th percentile in the 2018 and 2019 Reports showed the national hourly rate for Mental Health Clinicians (MSW) in behavioral health facilities increased 4.58%. The national hourly rate in 2019 was $26.46 compared to $25.30 in 2019.
In a state comparison, Indiana had the lowest average MHC rate of $24.07; while Virginia had the highest average rate of $29.91. The national average hourly rate for Mental Health Clinicians (MSW) in for-profit facilities was $27.70; the 50th percentile was $27.46. The national average in not-for-profit facilities was $25.61; the 50th percentile was $24.51. The average bonus reported for MHC’s was 3.10% of salary.
Mental Health Clinician (MSW)
2018 |
2019 |
Percent Increase |
$25.30 |
$26.46 |
4.58% |
Source: 2018 + 2019 HCS Behavioral Health
Salary & Benefits Reports, national data (all participants)
An analysis of benefits for behavioral health employees showed a rise in premiums. Annual health insurance premiums increased from $6,378 in 2017; $6,902 in 2018; and $8,000 in 2019 (single employee plan.) The percent of premium paid by the facility increased to 78.2% from 77.1% in 2018.
758 behavioral health facilities nationwide participated in the study. 33.51% of participants were not-for-profit facilities; 66.49% reporting were for-profit facilities. The results cover hourly and bonus data for 50+ jobs. Job data are grouped by region, state, CBSA, profit type, hospital + community health centers vs. non-hospital/non-chc data. The Report also includes 12 fringe benefits, turnover rates by department, caseload, and actual and projected salary increases by department.
The Report is available for $350. To order online, visit the HCS website at www.hhcsinc.com or call (201) 405-0075.
HCS, founded in 1971, is recognized as the leader in national healthcare salary and benefits research. HCS conducts national and custom marketplace studies, publishing ten specialized Reports each year. For a complete listing of all products and services, please visit the HCS website.
