Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $64,840. This figure is slightly above the national average of $64,100, indicating a competitive compensation landscape. Local economic factors and demand within the region likely contribute to this favorable pay rate for these essential professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 28.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,390.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a local workforce of 660 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. With a Location Quotient of 0.67, the concentration of these professionals is below the national average, suggesting a potentially stable or growing demand relative to the national distribution. The presence of 1.917 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the established presence of this career field within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns+1.2%above the national average.
$31.2
$1,247
$5,403
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 Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of wage growth in healthcare and social services sectors. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for mental health services and evolving compensation standards.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Durham-Chapel Hill is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps are a clear indicator of the value placed on experience and expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $42,240 | $20.3 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $48,630 | $23.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $58,590 | $28.2 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $81,050 | $39 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $93,390 | $44.9 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $64,840 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
1.917
Per 1K Jobs
0.67
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.67x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.67 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Durham-Chapel Hill suggests that this profession is less concentrated locally compared to the national average. This could imply that while the market is established, there may be opportunities for growth and less intense competition for roles compared to areas with a higher concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $64,840. This typically ranges from $42,240 for entry-level positions to $93,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 1.2% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $64,840 slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, indicating good earning potential.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($64,440) and Burlington, NC.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $64,840, which is slightly higher than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of these counselors in Durham-Chapel Hill?
The Location Quotient is 0.67, meaning the concentration of these professionals in Durham-Chapel Hill is below the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The Cost of Living Index for Durham-Chapel Hill is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors work in the area?
There are approximately 660 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 1.917 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC