The average salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $54,550. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Auburn-Opelika, AL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 42.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,450.
- Outlook: The current demand for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 100 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Auburn-Opelika, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Auburn-Opelika, AL earns-14.9%below the national average.
$26.2
$1,049
$4,546
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 Auburn-Opelika, AL have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 42.7%. 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL
The earning potential for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss in Auburn-Opelika, AL varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $37,110, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $74,450.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $37,110 | $17.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $40,913 | $19.7 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $50,880 | $24.5 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $68,188 | $32.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $74,450 | $35.8 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Auburn-Opelika, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $54,550 to $54,550.
Job Market Context
100
Total Jobs
1.39
Per 1K Jobs
0.49
Location Quotient
At 0.49x, Auburn-Opelika, AL 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.
100 people work as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Auburn-Opelika, AL.
1.39 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Auburn-Opelika, AL?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Auburn-Opelika, AL is $54,550. This typically ranges from $37,110 for entry-level positions to $74,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 14.9% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL is $54,550 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Auburn-Opelika, AL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Auburn-Opelika, AL a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Auburn-Opelika, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Auburn-Opelika, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbus, GA-AL ($53,230) and Montgomery, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 100 employees in the Auburn-Opelika, AL area with a job density of 1.39 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 Auburn-Opelika, AL