Home > Salary > South Africa > Mental Health Counselor
A mental health counselor is a professional who provides therapeutic support and guidance to individuals dealing with various mental health issues. They work closely with clients to assess their emotional well-being, identify underlying problems, and develop effective treatment plans. Mental health counselors utilize various therapeutic techniques, such as talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness practices, to help clients manage their symptoms and improve their overall mental health.
These professionals play a crucial role in helping clients navigate through challenging life situations, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship difficulties. They provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to express their thoughts and emotions, offering empathy, validation, and practical coping strategies. Mental health counselors also collaborate with other healthcare providers and community resources to ensure comprehensive care for their clients.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 121,047 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,087 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,328 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 58 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 9,730 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,245 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 56 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03
Estimated Yearly Salary: 6,034 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 503 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 116 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
4 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
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Estimated Yearly Salary: 121,047 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,087 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,328 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 58 ZAR per hour
By working as Mental Health Counselor a person can save up to 232 USD per month or 2,780 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Mental Health Counselor
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
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Mental Health Counselor salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Mental Health Counselor in South Africa is approximately 121,047 ZAR (6,034 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Mental Health Counselor do?

Skills: Mental health counselor, Therapist, Mental health support, Counseling services, Psychotherapy, Emotional well-being.
Job industry: Healthcare
Job industry: Healthcare
How much does Mental Health Counselor make?
Salary details
How much does Mental Health Counselor make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 121,047 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,087 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,328 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 58 ZAR per hour
Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 116,760 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 9,730 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,245 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 56 ZAR per hour
Mental Health Counselor estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 6,034 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 503 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 116 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 3 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
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Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Mental Health Counselor job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Mental Health Counselor in South Africa earns on average:
0.95 times the average salary (or 95% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Mental Health Counselor job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Mental Health Counselor in South Africa earns on average:
0.95 times the average salary (or 95% of average salary).
Is Mental Health Counselor a well paid job?
Yes, our data show that Mental Health Counselor is an averagely well paid job that still allows for some yearly savings. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Mental Health Counselor?
High salary for Mental Health Counselor would be somewhere between 133,152 ZAR and 175,518 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Mental Health Counselor in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 121,047 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 10,087 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 2,328 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 58 ZAR per hour
By working as Mental Health Counselor a person can save up to 232 USD per month or 2,780 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Mental Health Counselor
Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
- more than 25 years of experience yields
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Random salary:
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Music executive (335,159 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
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