Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA earn an average annual salary of $62,300. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,100, suggesting that while demand exists, local market factors may be influencing compensation. The specific economic landscape and demand within this Massachusetts region contribute to the nuanced salary structure observed for these vital professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,690.
- Outlook: The Amherst Town-Northampton area demonstrates a robust job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 500 individuals. The Location Quotient of 2.49 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a strong concentration of these roles within the region. This high concentration suggests a consistent and potentially growing demand for these specialized services, pointing towards a stable and promising employment outlook.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA earns-2.8%below the national average.
$30
$1,198
$5,192
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Amherst Town-Northampton over the past four years. Economic shifts and increasing awareness of mental health needs nationally likely translate to upward pressure on wages in many regions, including this Massachusetts locale, as demand for services continues to rise.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Amherst Town-Northampton typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries considerably higher than the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $43,870 | $21.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $46,725 | $22.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $58,110 | $27.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $77,875 | $37.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $96,690 | $46.5 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $62,300 in Amherst Town-Northampton aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the $62,300 salary offers a standard of living comparable to the national median, without the added financial strain or benefit typically associated with areas having a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
7.098
Per 1K Jobs
2.49
Location Quotient
Amherst Town-Northampton, MA has 2.5x 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 2.49, Amherst Town-Northampton exhibits a job market that is more than twice as concentrated with Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors compared to the national average. This indicates a high level of demand and a specialized need for these professionals within the local economy. While this suggests ample opportunities, it also implies a potentially competitive environment for new entrants, though the overall abundance of roles is a positive sign for the profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
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 Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is $62,300. This typically ranges from $43,870 for entry-level positions to $96,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 2.8% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, with a comparable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs and a cost of living index matching the national average indicate a stable and balanced market for these professionals.
Is Amherst Town-Northampton, MA a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Amherst Town-Northampton, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Springfield, MA ($63,990) and Worcester, MA.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA is $62,300, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,100.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.49 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.49 signifies that these roles are more than twice as concentrated in Amherst Town-Northampton compared to the national average, indicating strong local demand and a specialized job market.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Amherst Town-Northampton?
The Cost of Living Index in Amherst Town-Northampton is 100, which is the national average. This means the $62,300 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a balanced financial environment.
Is the job market for mental health counselors strong in this area?
Yes, the job market is considered strong, with a local workforce of 500 and a high concentration of roles indicated by the Location Quotient, suggesting consistent demand for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Amherst Town-Northampton, MA area with a job density of 7.098 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- All Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Management Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA
- Browse All Jobs in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Amherst Town-Northampton, MA