Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $65,430, surpassing the national average of $64,100. This higher local compensation is often a reflection of the unique demands and potentially lower supply of specialized professionals in nonmetropolitan regions, incentivizing skilled individuals to serve these communities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,430 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $87,990.
- Outlook: The job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Eastern and Southern Colorado appears robust, indicated by a total local workforce of 300 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.48 suggests a concentration of these roles that is 48% higher than the national average, pointing to a strong and potentially growing demand for these essential services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+2.1%above the national average.
$31.5
$1,258
$5,453
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive trend in salary growth for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased awareness of mental health issues and a growing need for accessible care, particularly in nonmetropolitan areas, likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation for these vital professionals.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps are indicative of the valuable expertise and leadership that experienced professionals bring to the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $41,540 | $20 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $49,073 | $23.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $60,760 | $29.2 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $81,788 | $39.3 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $87,990 | $42.3 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,430
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,430
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area, the average annual salary of $65,430 aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary is effectively equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without the financial strain often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
4.225
Per 1K Jobs
1.48
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.48, Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.48 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Eastern and Southern Colorado signifies a notable concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be more competitive, or conversely, that there is a higher demand relative to the national distribution, potentially offering more opportunities for those with specialized skills.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $65,430. This typically ranges from $41,540 for entry-level positions to $87,990 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 2.1% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, it offers a slightly more lucrative environment than the national average.The average salary of $65,430 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating good earning potential.
Is Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($58,840) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for this role?
The local job market in Eastern and Southern Colorado shows a higher concentration of these counselors, with a Location Quotient of 1.48, suggesting a stronger presence and potentially greater demand than the national average.
What is the significance of the 1.48 Location Quotient?
A Location Quotient of 1.48 means that the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 48% more Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors per worker than the national average, indicating a specialized job market.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in this region is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the average salary of $65,430 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors work in this area?
There are approximately 300 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 4.225 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 Eastern and Southern Colorado nonmetropolitan area