In Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn an average annual salary of $56,920. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand influence compensation in this region. The specific economic conditions and healthcare needs within Augusta-Richmond County play a significant role in shaping these salary levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,920 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,410.
- Outlook: The job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, appears moderately concentrated, with a local workforce of 390 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.6 indicates that this profession is less concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally robust demand. While the number of jobs per 1,000 workers is 1.709, the lower concentration implies that while opportunities exist, the field is not a dominant sector within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC earns-11.2%below the national average.
$27.4
$1,095
$4,743
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Augusta-Richmond County is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Increased awareness of mental health issues and a growing need for these services typically drive salary growth, even in localized markets. This suggests that Augusta-Richmond County professionals may have experienced modest salary increases, aligning with broader industry advancements.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased compensation as counselors gain expertise and take on more complex roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $40,430 | $19.4 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,690 | $20.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $52,630 | $25.3 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $71,150 | $34.2 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $82,410 | $39.6 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,920
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,920
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,920 in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Augusta is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living being at par suggests that the take-home pay offers a comparable standard of living to that experienced by counselors in other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
390
Total Jobs
1.709
Per 1K Jobs
0.6
Location Quotient
Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC has 0.60x 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 0.6, Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC, exhibits a lower concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is less saturated, potentially offering a more competitive environment for job seekers if demand is steady. However, it also implies that the profession is not a primary economic driver in the region, meaning the sheer volume of available positions might be more limited than in areas with a higher concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $56,920. This typically ranges from $40,430 for entry-level positions to $82,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 11.2% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $56,920 is below the national average of $64,100, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($51,780) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Augusta-Richmond County salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is $56,920, which is $7,180 less than the national average of $64,100.
What is the cost of living in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC for counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for these counselors in Augusta-Richmond County?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.6, indicating fewer professionals in this field relative to the general workforce.
What is the total number of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Augusta-Richmond County?
There are approximately 390 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 390 employees in the Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC area with a job density of 1.709 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 Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC