Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas earn a significant average annual salary of $83,510, substantially outpacing the national average of $64,100. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the unique challenges and demands of providing essential mental health services in geographically dispersed and less populated regions, where access to care can be more limited.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $83,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $118,030.
- Outlook: The job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas, while modest in size with a local workforce of 290, shows a stable presence. A Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates a concentration of these roles that is nearly on par with the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for these specialized services within the state's less urbanized communities.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska nonmetropolitan area earns+30.3%above the national average.
$40.2
$1,606
$6,959
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the demand for mental health services has seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This sustained need likely translates to a steady or increasing salary trajectory for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas, reflecting the ongoing importance of their work.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Alaska nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors typically involves a clear salary scaling from entry-level positions to senior roles. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the typical salary distribution suggests that experienced professionals command higher earnings, with significant gaps between the lower and upper percentiles representing opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential based on expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $52,380 | $25.2 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $62,633 | $30.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $80,470 | $38.7 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $104,388 | $50.2 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $118,030 | $56.7 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$83,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $83,510 in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas is particularly attractive when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the higher earnings translate directly into purchasing power that is equivalent to the national standard, making the compensation highly competitive and potentially offering a better quality of life without a significant financial penalty.
Job Market Context
290
Total Jobs
2.675
Per 1K Jobs
0.94
Location Quotient
Alaska nonmetropolitan area has 0.94x the national average concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.94, the market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas is neither significantly over- nor under-saturated compared to the national landscape. This suggests a balanced job market where professionals can find opportunities without facing extreme competition, while also indicating that the demand is stable and aligns closely with national employment patterns for this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Alaska nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska nonmetropolitan area is $83,510. This typically ranges from $52,380 for entry-level positions to $118,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alaska nonmetropolitan area is 30.3% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Alaska nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas offer lucrative compensation for these counselors.The average salary of $83,510 significantly exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is strong.
Is Alaska nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Alaska nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Alaska nonmetropolitan salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas is $83,510, which is considerably higher than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of these jobs in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas?
The Location Quotient of 0.94 indicates that the concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable and consistent demand.
Does the cost of living impact the value of the Alaska salary?
No, the cost of living in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas is at the national average (100), meaning the higher nominal salary of $83,510 offers equivalent or better purchasing power compared to the national average.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors work in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas?
There are approximately 290 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in Alaska's nonmetropolitan areas, representing 2.675 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the Alaska nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.675 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Alaska nonmetropolitan area