Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Kansas City, MO-KS earn an average annual salary of $63,030. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,100, suggesting localized market dynamics and demand influence compensation within the region. While the national average sets a benchmark, specific economic conditions and the concentration of these roles in Kansas City play a crucial role in determining the prevailing wage.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,950.
- Outlook: The Kansas City, MO-KS metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 2,360 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This indicates a stable, though not exceptionally concentrated, job market for these essential roles, suggesting consistent demand without an oversupply of professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Kansas City, MO-KS earns-1.7%below the national average.
$30.3
$1,212
$5,253
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Kansas City's mental health counselor salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increased awareness of mental health services, and evolving healthcare policies typically contribute to salary growth in this sector, suggesting that counselors in Kansas City have likely seen their earning potential increase over time.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Kansas City, MO-KS
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Kansas City, MO-KS typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior counselors with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $37,840 | $18.2 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $47,273 | $22.7 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $60,510 | $29.1 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $78,788 | $37.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $89,950 | $43.2 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,030
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $63,030 in Kansas City, MO-KS 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 Kansas City is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of a high cost of living.
Job Market Context
2,360
Total Jobs
2.159
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Kansas City, MO-KS has 0.76x 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 0.76 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Kansas City, MO-KS indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is present but not saturated, offering good opportunities for qualified professionals without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Kansas City, MO-KS
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 Kansas City, MO-KS?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Kansas City, MO-KS is $63,030. This typically ranges from $37,840 for entry-level positions to $89,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Kansas City, MO-KS is 1.7% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, it offers a stable earning potential.The average salary of $63,030 is competitive with the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, providing good purchasing power.
Is Kansas City, MO-KS a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Kansas City, MO-KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Kansas City, MO-KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($58,130) and St. Joseph, MO-KS.
How does the Kansas City salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Kansas City, MO-KS is $63,030, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of these counselors in Kansas City?
The Location Quotient is 0.76, meaning the concentration of these professionals in Kansas City is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Kansas City?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Kansas City's cost of living is at the national average, making the $63,030 salary equivalent in purchasing power to the national average.
What is the total number of these counselors in Kansas City?
There are approximately 2,360 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors working in the Kansas City, MO-KS 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 2,360 employees in the Kansas City, MO-KS area with a job density of 2.159 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 Kansas City, MO-KS