Average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Georgia
In Georgia, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn an average annual salary of $61,250. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,100, indicating localized economic factors and demand influence compensation within the state. The specific economic landscape and the concentration of these roles contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,200.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,680 professionals, Georgia demonstrates a significant presence in the mental health counseling sector. The Location Quotient of 0.63 suggests that while the profession is present, it is less concentrated than the national average, implying a potentially stable or growing demand for these specialized skills within the state's healthcare and social services infrastructure.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Georgia earns-4.4%below the national average.
$29.5
$1,178
$5,104
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Georgia is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs, policy changes, and a sustained demand for counseling services across various demographics.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Georgia
Career progression significantly impacts earnings for counselors in Georgia. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and the value placed on expertise and years of practice in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $39,020 | $18.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $45,938 | $22.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $55,320 | $26.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $76,563 | $36.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $93,200 | $44.8 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,666
Adjusted for COL (89.2)
The nominal average salary of $61,250 in Georgia should be viewed in conjunction with its Cost of Living Index of 89.2. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Georgia is effectively higher than the raw numbers might suggest, offering a potentially favorable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
8,680
Total Jobs
1.788
Per 1K Jobs
0.63
Location Quotient
Georgia has 0.63x 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 0.63 indicates that Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are less concentrated in Georgia compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for qualified professionals. While not a high-concentration area, the presence of nearly 8,700 professionals points to a consistent need for these services.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Georgia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Georgia?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Georgia is $61,250. This typically ranges from $39,020 for entry-level positions to $93,200 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Georgia is 4.4% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Georgia a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, Georgia's lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $61,250 salary, making it financially advantageous.
Is Georgia a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.2 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Georgia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Macon-Bibb County, GA ($59,110) and Warner Robins, GA.
How does Georgia's counselor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Georgia is $61,250, which is approximately $2,850 less than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of these counselors in Georgia?
Georgia has a Location Quotient of 0.63 for these counselors, meaning the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Georgia?
With a Cost of Living Index of 89.2 (compared to the national average of 100), the $61,250 salary in Georgia offers better purchasing power than it might in a higher cost-of-living state.
What is the total number of these counselors in Georgia?
There are approximately 8,680 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in Georgia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,680 employees in the Georgia area with a job density of 1.788 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 Georgia