The average salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss in Decatur, AL is $56,420. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Decatur, AL may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,570.
- Outlook: The current demand for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 150 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Decatur, AL economy.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Decatur, AL earns-12.0%below the national average.
$27.1
$1,085
$4,702
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salaries in Decatur, AL have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 31.0%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
The earning potential for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss in Decatur, AL varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $36,990, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $79,570.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $36,990 | $17.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,315 | $20.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $51,070 | $24.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $70,525 | $33.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $79,570 | $38.3 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Decatur, AL, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $56,420 to $56,420.
Job Market Context
150
Total Jobs
2.563
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 0.90x 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.
150 people work as Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Decatur, AL.
Moderate density — roughly 2.563 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Decatur, AL
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 Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Decatur, AL is $56,420. This typically ranges from $36,990 for entry-level positions to $79,570 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 12.0% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Decatur, AL a good place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary in Decatur, AL is $56,420 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Decatur, AL. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($53,660) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 150 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 2.563 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 Decatur, AL