In Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn an average annual salary of $56,590. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100, reflecting localized market dynamics and potentially lower demand or a different compensation structure within the region. The specific economic conditions and employer base in Gulfport-Biloxi directly influence this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,590 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $105,530.
- Outlook: The job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Gulfport-Biloxi area appears to be moderately concentrated, with a local workforce of 250 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.56 indicates that this profession is less prevalent here compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not rapidly expanding demand. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers at 1.587 further supports a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, level of employment opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS earns-11.7%below the national average.
$27.2
$1,088
$4,716
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for the Gulfport-Biloxi region is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased awareness of mental health services, and evolving healthcare policies likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for these vital professionals.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
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 end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify the career ladder, rewarding accumulated expertise and advanced responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $32,590 | $15.7 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,443 | $20.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $39,990 | $19.2 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $70,738 | $34 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $105,530 | $50.7 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,590
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,590
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,590 in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay offers a comparable standard of living to that experienced elsewhere in the country.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
1.587
Per 1K Jobs
0.56
Location Quotient
Gulfport-Biloxi, MS has 0.56x 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 0.56, the Gulfport-Biloxi area has a lower concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is less saturated, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled professionals relative to the number of practitioners. However, it also implies that the demand might not be as robust as in areas with a higher concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Gulfport-Biloxi, MS
Hiring Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is $56,590. This typically ranges from $32,590 for entry-level positions to $105,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 11.7% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Gulfport-Biloxi, MS a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $56,590 is below the national average of $64,100, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Gulfport-Biloxi, MS a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Slidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA ($39,110) and New Orleans-Metairie, LA.
How does the Gulfport-Biloxi salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is $56,590, which is lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the Cost of Living in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS?
The Cost of Living Index in Gulfport-Biloxi, MS is 100, which is exactly the national average, indicating that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the job market for these counselors in Gulfport-Biloxi?
The job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.56, suggesting fewer practitioners relative to the national landscape.
What is the total workforce size for this role in Gulfport-Biloxi?
There are approximately 250 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Gulfport-Biloxi, MS area with a job density of 1.587 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 Gulfport-Biloxi, MS