Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Longview-Kelso, WA, earn an impressive average annual salary of $67,510. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $64,100, indicating a localized premium for these essential services. The demand and specialized nature of mental health support within the Longview-Kelso region likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $67,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $97,100.
- Outlook: The Longview-Kelso, WA, job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors appears robust, with a total local workforce of 250 professionals. The location quotient of 2.16 signifies a concentration of these roles significantly higher than the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized employment landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Longview-Kelso, WA earns+5.3%above the national average.
$32.5
$1,298
$5,626
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the demand for mental health services has seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This sustained demand typically translates into gradual salary increases for counselors, reflecting the evolving importance and complexity of their roles within the community.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Longview-Kelso, WA
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Longview-Kelso, WA, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while experienced professionals with specialized skills and advanced certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career and financial growth.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $46,910 | $22.6 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $50,633 | $24.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $63,430 | $30.5 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $84,388 | $40.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $97,100 | $46.7 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$67,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$67,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $67,510 in Longview-Kelso, WA, 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 this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
6.181
Per 1K Jobs
2.16
Location Quotient
Longview-Kelso, WA has 2.2x 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.
With a location quotient of 2.16, Longview-Kelso, WA, demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors compared to the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where these professionals are in higher demand relative to the general workforce.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Longview-Kelso, WA
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 Longview-Kelso, WA?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Longview-Kelso, WA is $67,510. This typically ranges from $46,910 for entry-level positions to $97,100 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Longview-Kelso, WA is 5.3% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Longview-Kelso, WA a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, Longview-Kelso, WA offers a lucrative environment for these counselors.The average salary of $67,510 exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, allowing for strong purchasing power.
Is Longview-Kelso, WA a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Longview-Kelso, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Longview-Kelso, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($75,920) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.
How does the Longview-Kelso salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Longview-Kelso, WA, is $67,510, which is higher than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of these counselors in Longview-Kelso, WA?
The location quotient is 2.16, indicating that the concentration of these counselors in Longview-Kelso, WA, is more than double the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Longview-Kelso, WA?
The cost of living in Longview-Kelso, WA, is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the higher local salary provides equivalent or better purchasing power compared to the national median.
What does the workforce size suggest about job opportunities?
With a local workforce of 250, the market is substantial enough to support a dedicated professional community, and the high location quotient suggests ongoing demand for these roles.
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 Longview-Kelso, WA area with a job density of 6.181 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Longview-Kelso, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
- Production Occupations Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Longview-Kelso, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Longview-Kelso, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Longview-Kelso, WA