Average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Hawaii
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Hawaii earn an impressive average annual salary of $75,610, significantly exceeding the national average of $64,100. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the unique economic landscape and the higher cost of living inherent to island states, necessitating greater pay to attract and retain skilled professionals in these vital roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $75,610 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $158,310.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,580 professionals, Hawaii demonstrates a stable presence in this field. The location quotient of 0.89 suggests a concentration slightly below the national average, indicating a steady but not oversaturated market. This balance points to consistent demand for qualified counselors, ensuring a robust job market for those entering or established in the profession.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Hawaii earns+18.0%above the national average.
$36.4
$1,454
$6,301
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Hawaii have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing awareness of mental health needs, evolving treatment methodologies, and the persistent demand for these services likely contribute to upward salary adjustments.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Hawaii
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Hawaii is typically marked by increasing earning potential. 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 significantly higher than the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and higher remuneration.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $48,910 | $23.5 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $56,708 | $27.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $54,390 | $26.1 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $94,513 | $45.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $158,310 | $76.1 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$75,610
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$40,607
Adjusted for COL (186.2)
While the average salary of $75,610 in Hawaii appears substantial, it must be viewed in the context of the state's exceptionally high Cost of Living Index of 186.2. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is considerably diminished compared to the national average. Prospective counselors should carefully weigh the nominal salary against the elevated expenses for housing, goods, and services when considering a move to the islands.
Job Market Context
1,580
Total Jobs
2.542
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Hawaii has 0.89x 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.
The location quotient of 0.89 indicates that Hawaii has a slightly lower concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors relative to the national average. This suggests that while the demand is present, the market is not overly saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals. It implies a healthy balance where employers are likely seeking qualified individuals without facing an overwhelming surplus of applicants.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu, HI Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary | $75,410↓ 0% | 37 mi |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary | $85,680↑ 13% | 69 mi |
Comparing salaries near Hawaii
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 Hawaii?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Hawaii is $75,610. This typically ranges from $48,910 for entry-level positions to $158,310 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Hawaii is 18.0% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Hawaii a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
Yes, but with caveats.Hawaii offers a higher average salary of $75,610 compared to the national average. However, this must be balanced against the significantly higher cost of living in the state.
Is Hawaii a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Hawaii is 186.2. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Hawaii?
Some top paying nearby cities include Urban Honolulu, HI ($75,410) and Kahului-Wailuku, HI.
How does the Hawaii job market compare to the national average for this role?
Hawaii's job market for these counselors has a location quotient of 0.89, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average, suggesting a potentially less competitive environment for job seekers.
What is the average number of these counselors per 1,000 workers in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, there are approximately 2.542 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors per 1,000 workers, reflecting the local demand for these services.
How does experience impact salary for these counselors in Hawaii?
Experience significantly influences salary, with entry-level positions earning less and senior counselors with specialized skills commanding higher pay, reflecting clear career progression paths.
Is the higher salary in Hawaii enough to offset the cost of living?
While the nominal salary is higher, the cost of living in Hawaii is nearly double the national average, meaning the effective purchasing power of the salary is reduced, requiring careful financial planning.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,580 employees in the Hawaii area with a job density of 2.542 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 Hawaii