Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas earn an average annual salary of $53,030. This figure falls below the national average of $64,100, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand compared to more urbanized or densely populated areas. The specific economic landscape of nonmetropolitan Eastern North Carolina influences compensation levels for these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $53,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,940.
- Outlook: The job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas appears moderately concentrated, with a total local workforce of 510 individuals in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests that this profession is less concentrated here than the national average, indicating a potentially stable but not rapidly expanding demand. While the workforce size is modest, the jobs per 1,000 workers at 1.933 points to a consistent, albeit not overwhelming, need for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area earns-17.3%below the national average.
$25.5
$1,020
$4,419
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 Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, increased awareness of mental health services, and evolving healthcare policies likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation, albeit potentially at a slower pace than in major metropolitan hubs.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command considerably higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as counselors gain expertise and take on more complex cases or supervisory roles.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $35,630 | $17.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $39,773 | $19.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $47,930 | $23 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $66,288 | $31.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $73,940 | $35.5 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$53,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$53,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $53,030 in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that, on average, the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this region is comparable to the national standard. While the salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar lifestyle affordability as in other parts of the country.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
1.933
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area has 0.68x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.68, the market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas is less concentrated than the national average. This indicates that the job market is not saturated, and while demand exists, it is not exceptionally high compared to national benchmarks. Professionals entering this market may find fewer direct competitors but also potentially fewer job openings than in more densely populated regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is $53,030. This typically ranges from $35,630 for entry-level positions to $73,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 17.3% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $53,030 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($60,790) and Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary of $53,030 in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas is significantly lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the Cost of Living in Eastern North Carolina's nonmetropolitan areas?
The Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for these counselors in this region?
The Location Quotient of 0.68 suggests that the concentration of these jobs is below the national average, indicating moderate but not exceptionally high demand.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors work in this region?
There are approximately 510 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in the Eastern North Carolina 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 510 employees in the Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.933 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 North Carolina nonmetropolitan area