The average salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $56,880. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Athens-Clarke County, GA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $83,700.
- Outlook: The current demand for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 110 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Athens-Clarke County, GA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-11.3%below the national average.
$27.4
$1,094
$4,740
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salaries in Athens-Clarke County, GA have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 23.3%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
The earning potential for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss in Athens-Clarke County, GA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 2.5x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $33,160, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $83,700.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $33,160 | $15.9 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,660 | $20.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $48,500 | $23.3 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $71,100 | $34.2 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $83,700 | $40.2 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,880
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Athens-Clarke County, GA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $56,880 to $56,880.
Job Market Context
110
Total Jobs
1.139
Per 1K Jobs
0.4
Location Quotient
At 0.40x, Athens-Clarke County, GA has a notably lower concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
110 people work as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Athens-Clarke County, GA.
1.139 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $56,880. This typically ranges from $33,160 for entry-level positions to $83,700 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 11.3% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $56,880 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Athens-Clarke County, GA. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($64,950) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 110 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 1.139 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 Athens-Clarke County, GA