SalaryNode

Average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Chico, CA

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Chico, CA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $65,650. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $64,100, indicating a favorable compensation landscape in the region. Local demand and the specific needs of the Chico community likely contribute to this competitive pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $65,650 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $99,560.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 380 professionals in this field, Chico demonstrates a significant concentration of these vital services. The Location Quotient of 1.68 suggests that this role is more prevalent in Chico compared to the national average, pointing towards a robust and potentially growing job market for mental health counselors.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$65,650

The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Chico, CA earns+2.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$31.6

Weekly

$1,263

Monthly

$5,471

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Chico, CA

Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Chico, CA, typically involves a clear salary trajectory. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while experienced professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can expect to earn significantly more, with higher percentiles reflecting senior roles and greater responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$45,970$22.1
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$49,238$23.7
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$62,420$30
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$82,063$39.5
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$99,560$47.9

Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$65,650

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$65,650

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $65,650 in Chico, CA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Chico is equivalent to the national standard, offering stability and predictability for financial planning.

Job Market Context

380

Total Jobs

4.801

Per 1K Jobs

1.68

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Chico, CA has 1.7x 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.

Chico's Location Quotient of 1.68 signifies a higher concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors than the national average. This suggests a strong local demand for these services and a potentially competitive market where skilled professionals are highly valued.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

Comparing salaries near Chico, CA

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 Chico, CA?

The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Chico, CA is $65,650. This typically ranges from $45,970 for entry-level positions to $99,560 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Chico, CA is 2.4% higher than the national median of $64,100.

Is Chico, CA a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?

Yes, Chico, CA offers a lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary of $65,650 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, allowing for strong purchasing power. The high concentration of these roles (LQ of 1.68) further indicates a robust local market.

Is Chico, CA a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?

The Cost of Living Index in Chico, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Chico, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Yuba City, CA ($68,680) and Redding, CA.

How does Chico's salary compare to the national average for this role?

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Chico, CA, earn an average of $65,650 annually, which is slightly higher than the national average of $64,100.

What is the concentration of these jobs in Chico, CA?

Chico, CA has a Location Quotient of 1.68 for these counselors, meaning the profession is 68% more concentrated than the national average, indicating strong local demand.

How does the cost of living in Chico affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Chico's cost of living is exactly at the national average. This means the $65,650 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.

What does the total local workforce number suggest?

A total local workforce of 380 professionals in this field indicates a substantial and established presence of mental health services within the Chico community.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Chico, CA area with a job density of 4.801 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.