SalaryNode

Average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Lexington-Fayette, KY earn an average annual salary of $61,440. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,100, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this Kentucky region. The specific needs and funding structures within Lexington-Fayette likely play a role in shaping the pay scale for these vital professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $61,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 61.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $92,380.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,060 professionals in this field, Lexington-Fayette, KY demonstrates a notable concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. The Location Quotient of 1.31 indicates that this profession is more prevalent here than the national average, suggesting a robust demand and a potentially stable job market for these specialists within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$61,440

The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Lexington-Fayette, KY earns-4.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$29.5

Weekly

$1,182

Monthly

$5,120

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Lexington-Fayette, KY

Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Lexington-Fayette, KY, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while experienced counselors with specialized skills or supervisory roles can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior compensation signifies significant opportunities for advancement and increased earning capacity throughout one's career.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$37,570$18.1
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$46,080$22.2
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$58,500$28.1
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$76,800$36.9
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$92,380$44.4

Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$61,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$61,440

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $61,440 in Lexington-Fayette, KY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where earnings can comfortably cover typical living expenses without significant strain.

Job Market Context

1,060

Total Jobs

3.743

Per 1K Jobs

1.31

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.31, Lexington-Fayette, KY has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors roles compared to the national norm.

Lexington-Fayette, KY, exhibits a strong concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.31. This suggests that the job market in this area is more specialized and potentially more competitive for these roles compared to the national landscape, with a higher density of professionals indicating a significant local industry presence.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Lexington-Fayette, KY is $61,440. This typically ranges from $37,570 for entry-level positions to $92,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 4.1% lower than the national median of $64,100.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?

Moderately lucrative, with average pay matching the national cost of living.The average salary of $61,440 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.

Is Lexington-Fayette, KY a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?

The Cost of Living Index in Lexington-Fayette, KY is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Lexington-Fayette, KY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area ($54,030) and South Central Kentucky nonmetropolitan area.

How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?

Lexington-Fayette, KY has 3.743 jobs per 1,000 workers in this field, which is higher than the national average, indicating a stronger local presence for these roles.

What does a Location Quotient of 1.31 mean for this profession in Lexington-Fayette?

A Location Quotient of 1.31 signifies that Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are 31% more concentrated in Lexington-Fayette, KY, than the national average, suggesting higher local demand or a more established professional community.

How does the total workforce size impact job availability?

With a total local workforce of 1,060 professionals, Lexington-Fayette, KY has a substantial pool of these counselors, which can indicate both a healthy job market and potential competition for positions.

Is the salary competitive for this role in Lexington-Fayette, KY?

While the average salary of $61,440 is slightly lower than the national average, the cost of living being at the national average means the salary's real value is comparable, making it a reasonably competitive offering.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,060 employees in the Lexington-Fayette, KY area with a job density of 3.743 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.