Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Massachusetts earn an average annual salary of $64,020, remarkably close to the national average of $64,100. While the nominal pay is comparable, the unique economic landscape and demand within the Bay State significantly influence compensation for these vital professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,260.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 17,950 individuals, Massachusetts demonstrates a strong presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.73 indicates a concentration of these roles significantly above the national average, suggesting robust demand and a well-established professional community within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Massachusetts earns-0.1%below the national average.
$30.8
$1,231
$5,335
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that the field of mental health counseling in Massachusetts has experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth likely translates to increased demand for qualified professionals and a corresponding upward trend in average salaries, reflecting evolving healthcare needs and policy support.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Massachusetts
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Massachusetts typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as counselors gain specialized skills, certifications, and years of practice, they can advance to senior roles commanding higher salaries, with percentile gaps clearly signifying this career trajectory.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $43,220 | $20.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $48,015 | $23.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $59,030 | $28.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $80,025 | $38.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $91,260 | $43.9 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$43,140
Adjusted for COL (148.4)
The average annual salary of $64,020 in Massachusetts must be viewed in the context of its high Cost of Living Index of 148.4. This means that while the nominal salary is on par with the national average, the purchasing power of that income is considerably lower due to the elevated expenses associated with living in the state, particularly in metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
17,950
Total Jobs
4.928
Per 1K Jobs
1.73
Location Quotient
Massachusetts has 1.7x 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 1.73 signifies that Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are more concentrated in Massachusetts than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where employers actively seek these professionals, and a larger pool of talent exists compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Massachusetts
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Massachusetts is $64,020. This typically ranges from $43,220 for entry-level positions to $91,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 0.1% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $64,020 is comparable to the national average, the high cost of living in Massachusetts means that take-home pay may not stretch as far. However, the strong concentration of roles (LQ 1.73) indicates significant demand.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?
Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($61,810) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.
How does the Massachusetts job market compare to the national average for this role?
Massachusetts has a higher concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, with a Location Quotient of 1.73, indicating a more robust and potentially competitive job market than the national average.
What is the impact of the cost of living on a $64,020 salary in Massachusetts?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, a $64,020 salary in Massachusetts offers less purchasing power than the same amount in a region with a lower cost of living, requiring careful budgeting.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors work in Massachusetts?
There are approximately 17,950 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in Massachusetts, reflecting a significant workforce in this sector.
Are there more job opportunities for these counselors in Massachusetts compared to other states?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.73 suggests that jobs per worker are higher in Massachusetts than the national average, implying a greater abundance of opportunities relative to the general workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 17,950 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 4.928 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 Massachusetts