Average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary in Wilmington, NC
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $56,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,840, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific region. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.1% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,370.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Wilmington, NC, comprises approximately 200 professionals. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 1.071, the presence of this role is slightly above the national average, indicating a steady, albeit not explosive, demand for these essential services within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Wilmington, NC earns-15.5%below the national average.
$27.2
$1,086
$4,707
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington, NC is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased awareness of mental health issues, evolving treatment methodologies, and inflationary pressures typically contribute to upward salary adjustments in this field.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Career progression for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Wilmington, NC, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles of the reported average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $40,740 | $19.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,360 | $20.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $60,860 | $29.3 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $70,600 | $33.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $69,370 | $33.4 |
Detailed Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,480
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,480 in Wilmington, NC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
1.071
Per 1K Jobs
1.31
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.31, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers roles compared to the national norm.
Wilmington, NC, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.31 for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, indicating a concentration of these professionals that is 31% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust and relatively abundant job market for this specialization within the city, potentially offering more opportunities compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville, NC Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Salary | $53,140↓ 6% | 87 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
Hiring Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Wilmington, NC is $56,480. This typically ranges from $40,740 for entry-level positions to $69,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 15.5% lower than the national median of $66,840.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workerss?
No, but it offers average purchasing power.While the average salary of $56,480 is below the national average, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville, NC ($53,140) and others.
How does Wilmington's salary compare to the national average?
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Wilmington, NC, earn approximately $10,360 less annually than the national average, with an average salary of $56,480 compared to the national $66,840.
What is the concentration of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington, NC has a concentration of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers that is 31% higher than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.31.
How does the cost of living in Wilmington, NC affect salary perception?
The cost of living in Wilmington, NC, is exactly at the national average (100). This means that the $56,480 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.
What does the jobs per 1,000 workers metric indicate for this role in Wilmington?
With 1.071 jobs per 1,000 workers, Wilmington, NC shows a slightly higher prevalence of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker positions than the national average, suggesting a stable local demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 1.071 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 Wilmington, NC