In the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn an average annual salary of $50,670. This figure falls below the national average of $64,100, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific region. The concentration of these roles locally also influences the pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $50,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,900.
- Outlook: The Huntington-Ashland region supports a local workforce of 780 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. With a Location Quotient of 1.95, this indicates a concentration of these professionals nearly double the national average. This robust presence suggests a consistent demand and a well-established professional community within the area, pointing towards a stable job market for these counselors.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH earns-21.0%below the national average.
$24.4
$974
$4,223
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Huntington-Ashland is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for mental health professionals have seen a steady upward trend over the past four years, driven by increasing awareness and demand for behavioral health services nationwide. It is reasonable to assume that this trend has also influenced compensation in the Huntington-Ashland area, albeit potentially at a different rate than the national average.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
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 salaries considerably higher than the average. The percentile distribution of salaries within Huntington-Ashland would likely reflect these typical career advancement opportunities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $28,960 | $13.9 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $38,003 | $18.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $47,120 | $22.7 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $63,338 | $30.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $74,900 | $36 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$50,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$50,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $50,670 in Huntington-Ashland aligns perfectly 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 comparable to the national standard. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home pay may offer similar financial stability as in higher-cost national areas.
Job Market Context
780
Total Jobs
5.573
Per 1K Jobs
1.95
Location Quotient
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH has 1.9x the national concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.95 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Huntington-Ashland signifies a strong regional concentration of these professionals, nearly twice the national average. This suggests that the job market is relatively abundant with opportunities for these specialists, and employers may have a wider pool of candidates to choose from, potentially influencing salary negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is $50,670. This typically ranges from $28,960 for entry-level positions to $74,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 21.0% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $50,670 is significantly lower than the national average of $64,100, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charleston, WV ($54,900) and Parkersburg-Vienna, WV.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for this role?
The local job market in Huntington-Ashland shows a concentration of these counselors that is nearly double the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.95, suggesting a robust local demand.
What is the impact of the Cost of Living Index on salaries in Huntington-Ashland?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $50,670 salary in Huntington-Ashland offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being a lower nominal figure.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors work in Huntington-Ashland?
There are approximately 780 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed within the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH metropolitan area.
Does experience significantly affect counselor salaries in this region?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a crucial role in salary progression for counselors, with senior roles commanding higher compensation than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 780 employees in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH area with a job density of 5.573 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 Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH