Average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Colorado
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $66,280, surpassing the national average of $64,100. This elevated compensation is often driven by a combination of factors unique to the state, including a higher cost of living and a robust demand for specialized mental health services.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,030.
- Outlook: Colorado boasts a significant workforce of 13,670 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, with a Location Quotient of 1.66. This indicates a concentration of these professionals that is 66% higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and established job market with substantial demand for their expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Colorado earns+3.4%above the national average.
$31.9
$1,275
$5,523
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that the field of mental health counseling in Colorado has experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely reflected in a gradual increase in average salaries as demand for services continues to rise and the need for qualified professionals intensifies.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Colorado
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Colorado typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $40,570 | $19.5 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $49,710 | $23.9 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $59,190 | $28.5 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $82,850 | $39.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $98,030 | $47.1 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,825
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $66,280 in Colorado presents a moderately favorable financial standing when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While the salary is above the national average, the cost of living is also slightly higher, meaning that the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat reduced compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
13,670
Total Jobs
4.729
Per 1K Jobs
1.66
Location Quotient
Colorado 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.66, Colorado demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors compared to the national average. This suggests a robust and specialized market for these professionals, indicating that the demand for their services is strong and the field is well-established within the state.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Colorado
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Colorado is $66,280. This typically ranges from $40,570 for entry-level positions to $98,030 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 3.4% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, Colorado offers a lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary of $66,280 is higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.66) indicates significant demand.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($58,840) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does Colorado's average salary compare to the national average for this role?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Colorado is $66,280, which is higher than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of these counselors in Colorado?
Colorado has a Location Quotient of 1.66 for these counselors, meaning the concentration of jobs is 66% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the salary?
Colorado's Cost of Living Index is 105.5, slightly above the national average. This means that while the salary is higher, the purchasing power is somewhat moderated by the increased cost of living.
What does the job market look like for mental health counselors in Colorado?
The job market is robust, with a total local workforce of 13,670 and a high concentration of jobs, suggesting strong demand and a well-established professional community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,670 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 4.729 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 Colorado