In Alexandria, LA, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn an average annual salary of $43,230. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $64,100, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the local job market. The pay scale in Alexandria is thus influenced by the local economic landscape, which differs significantly from national trends.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $43,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,300.
- Outlook: Alexandria, LA supports a local workforce of 320 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. With a Location Quotient of 1.91, this profession is more concentrated in Alexandria than the national average, suggesting a robust local demand relative to the size of the workforce. The presence of 5.443 jobs per 1,000 workers further indicates a healthy employment environment for these specialized roles.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alexandria, LA earns-32.6%below the national average.
$20.8
$831
$3,603
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Alexandria is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing awareness of mental health issues, evolving treatment methodologies, and a growing need for accessible care likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation, even in localized markets.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Alexandria, LA
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alexandria, LA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify the value placed on accumulated expertise and the ability to handle more complex cases or supervisory roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $23,260 | $11.2 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $32,423 | $15.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $37,130 | $17.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $54,038 | $26 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $73,300 | $35.2 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$43,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $43,230 in Alexandria, LA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Alexandria is comparable to the national average, without the added financial strain often associated with higher-cost metropolitan areas. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay maintains a similar standard of living.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
5.443
Per 1K Jobs
1.91
Location Quotient
Alexandria, LA has 1.9x the national concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.91, Alexandria, LA, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors compared to the national average. This indicates a strong local presence and potentially higher demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce. While this concentration suggests a competitive market, it also points to a specialized and established field within the Alexandria area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Alexandria, LA
Hiring Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Alexandria, LA?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alexandria, LA is $43,230. This typically ranges from $23,260 for entry-level positions to $73,300 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Alexandria, LA is 32.6% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Alexandria, LA a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $43,230 is substantially lower than the national average of $64,100. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the lower salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Alexandria, LA a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Alexandria, LA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Alexandria, LA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southwest Louisiana nonmetropolitan area ($44,490) and Central Louisiana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 320 indicates a moderately sized professional community. While not as large as major metropolitan areas, this size, combined with a high Location Quotient, suggests a stable and potentially growing demand for these specialized roles within Alexandria.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.91 mean for counselors?
A Location Quotient of 1.91 signifies that Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are nearly twice as concentrated in Alexandria, LA, as they are nationally. This suggests a strong local industry presence and potentially more job opportunities relative to the overall job market.
How does Alexandria's cost of living compare nationally?
Alexandria, LA, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services, including housing, transportation, and utilities, is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical U.S. city.
Are there many jobs per thousand workers for this role in Alexandria?
Yes, with 5.443 jobs per 1,000 workers, Alexandria shows a healthy representation of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor positions within its broader employment landscape, indicating consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Alexandria, LA area with a job density of 5.443 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 Alexandria, LA