Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Colorado Springs, CO, earn an average annual salary of $58,840. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100. Local economic factors, including the specific demand and supply dynamics within the Colorado Springs area, contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,490.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,240 professionals in this field, Colorado Springs demonstrates a significant concentration of these roles, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.46. This suggests a robust demand for mental health services that outpaces the national average, implying a stable job market for counselors in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Colorado Springs, CO earns-8.2%below the national average.
$28.3
$1,132
$4,903
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Colorado Springs have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This anticipated upward trajectory is driven by increasing awareness of mental health issues and sustained demand for qualified professionals.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Colorado Springs, CO
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $37,330 | $17.9 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $44,130 | $21.2 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $50,020 | $24 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $73,550 | $35.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $89,490 | $43 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,840 in Colorado Springs aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Colorado Springs is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
2,240
Total Jobs
7.029
Per 1K Jobs
2.46
Location Quotient
Colorado Springs, CO has 2.5x 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.
A Location Quotient of 2.46 signifies that Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are more than twice as concentrated in Colorado Springs compared to the national average. This high concentration indicates a strong local market for these professionals, suggesting ample job opportunities and a competitive environment for both employers and job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Colorado Springs, CO
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 Colorado Springs, CO?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Colorado Springs, CO is $58,840. This typically ranges from $37,330 for entry-level positions to $89,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado Springs, CO is 8.2% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, but the market is strong.While the average salary of $58,840 is below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.46) indicates a very active and in-demand market.
Is Colorado Springs, CO a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado Springs, CO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado Springs, CO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area ($78,570) and Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Colorado Springs salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Colorado Springs is $58,840, which is lower than the national average of $64,100.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.46 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient of 2.46 indicates that this profession is significantly more concentrated in Colorado Springs than the national average, suggesting a robust job market with potentially more opportunities.
How does the cost of living in Colorado Springs affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Colorado Springs is at the national average. Therefore, the $58,840 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What is the total number of mental health counselors in Colorado Springs?
There are approximately 2,240 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors working in the Colorado Springs area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,240 employees in the Colorado Springs, CO area with a job density of 7.029 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 Springs, CO