Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $54,030. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a different demand structure. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this nonmetropolitan region play a significant role in dictating compensation levels for these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,050.
- Outlook: The Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 610 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. With a jobs-per-1,000-workers ratio of 3.517, this indicates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for their services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-15.7%below the national average.
$26
$1,039
$4,503
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Central Kentucky have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased awareness of mental health needs, and policy changes likely contribute to a steady, upward trajectory in compensation, even if it lags behind national averages.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Central Kentucky typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the $54,030 average, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are crucial indicators of the career advancement and earning potential available within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $30,090 | $14.5 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $40,523 | $19.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $49,100 | $23.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $67,538 | $32.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $79,050 | $38 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,030 in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average, making the effective financial standing comparable.
Job Market Context
610
Total Jobs
3.517
Per 1K Jobs
1.23
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.23, Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.23 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Central Kentucky indicates a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this region is relatively more robust or specialized in this field than in other areas, potentially offering more opportunities for those seeking employment in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $54,030. This typically ranges from $30,090 for entry-level positions to $79,050 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 15.7% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the cost of living is on par with the national average, the average salary of $54,030 is significantly lower than the national average of $64,100, indicating less lucrative compensation.
Is Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($61,440) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the local workforce size impact job prospects?
A local workforce of 610 suggests a moderate-sized market. While not as large as metropolitan areas, the concentration (LQ of 1.23) indicates a dedicated presence and potential for stable employment opportunities within the region.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) being 1.23?
An LQ of 1.23 means that Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are 23% more concentrated in this nonmetropolitan area than the national average. This implies a stronger regional demand or specialization in this field.
How does the cost of living affect the $54,030 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $54,030 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary. This means that despite being lower than the national average salary, the local expenses are also average, making the effective financial benefit comparable.
Are there more jobs per 1,000 workers for this role in Central Kentucky?
Yes, with 3.517 jobs per 1,000 workers, this rate is higher than the national average, indicating a slightly greater prevalence and availability of these counseling positions within the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.517 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 Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area