Average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY
The average salary for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $56,280. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Lexington-Fayette, KY may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,410.
- Outlook: The current demand for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 180 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Lexington-Fayette, KY economy.
Salary Overview
The average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-15.8%below the national average.
$27.1
$1,082
$4,690
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salaries in Lexington-Fayette, KY have shown healthy growth of 18.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY
The earning potential for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss in Lexington-Fayette, KY varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $37,750, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $83,410.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $37,750 | $18.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,210 | $20.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $54,530 | $26.2 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $70,350 | $33.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $83,410 | $40.1 |
Detailed Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Lexington-Fayette, KY, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $56,280 to $56,280.
Job Market Context
180
Total Jobs
0.639
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Lexington-Fayette, KY has 0.78x the national average concentration of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
180 people work as Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY.
Only 0.639 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
Comparing salaries near Lexington-Fayette, KY
Hiring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?
The median annual salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $56,280. This typically ranges from $37,750 for entry-level positions to $83,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 15.8% lower than the national median of $66,840.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $56,280 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Lexington-Fayette, KY. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?
Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($50,340) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 180 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 0.639 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Lexington-Fayette, KY