Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $61,420. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,100, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the Fort Smith metropolitan area. Localized market conditions and the overall economic landscape of the region play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,420 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,100.
- Outlook: The job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Fort Smith, AR-OK, shows a moderate level of concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.71, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average. With a total local workforce of 200 in this field, the demand appears stable, suggesting consistent opportunities for qualified professionals within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-4.2%below the national average.
$29.5
$1,181
$5,118
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns of salary growth in the healthcare and social services sectors. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for mental health services and evolving compensation structures.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Fort Smith, AR-OK, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and the value they bring to clients and organizations.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $31,160 | $15 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $46,065 | $22.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $51,790 | $24.9 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $76,775 | $36.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $106,100 | $51 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,420
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,420
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $61,420 in Fort Smith, AR-OK, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Fort Smith is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the cost of goods and services in the area.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
2.029
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 0.71x 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 0.71, the market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Fort Smith, AR-OK, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $61,420. This typically ranges from $31,160 for entry-level positions to $106,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 4.2% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $61,420 is slightly below the national average of $64,100, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, indicating comparable purchasing power.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($66,440) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the Fort Smith salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $61,420, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the job market for these counselors in Fort Smith?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.71, indicating that this profession is slightly less prevalent in Fort Smith compared to the national average.
What is the total number of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Fort Smith?
There are approximately 200 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors working within the Fort Smith, AR-OK metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 2.029 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 Fort Smith, AR-OK