Average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Merced, CA
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Merced, CA, earn an average annual salary of $65,810. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $64,100, indicating a localized demand that influences compensation. Factors such as the specific needs of the Merced community and the availability of qualified professionals contribute to this competitive pay.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,710.
- Outlook: The job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Merced, CA, appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 300 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.34 signifies a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a healthy demand for their services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Merced, CA earns+2.7%above the national average.
$31.6
$1,266
$5,484
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 salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Merced, CA, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing awareness of mental health issues and a sustained need for counseling services.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Merced, CA
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Merced, CA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $40,240 | $19.3 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $49,358 | $23.7 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $59,840 | $28.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $82,263 | $39.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $98,710 | $47.5 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Merced, CA, the average salary of $65,810 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation without the added pressure of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
3.822
Per 1K Jobs
1.34
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.34, Merced, CA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.34, Merced, CA, demonstrates a notable concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor positions relative to the national landscape. This suggests that the job market in Merced is more active for these professionals than the average U.S. location, potentially offering more opportunities and a competitive environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Merced, CA
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 Merced, CA?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Merced, CA is $65,810. This typically ranges from $40,240 for entry-level positions to $98,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Merced, CA is 2.7% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Merced, CA a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, Merced, CA offers a slightly above-average salary for these professionals.The average salary of $65,810 in Merced is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, making it a financially sound location.
Is Merced, CA a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Merced, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Merced, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Modesto, CA ($74,670) and Fresno, CA.
How does the Merced job market compare to the national average for this role?
Merced has a higher concentration of these roles, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.34, suggesting a more robust local job market than the national average.
What is the cost of living impact on a $65,810 salary in Merced?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $65,810 salary in Merced has the same purchasing power as the national average, offering good financial stability.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors work in Merced?
There are approximately 300 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in Merced, CA.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.34 mean for this profession in Merced?
A Location Quotient of 1.34 signifies that this profession is 34% more concentrated in Merced than the national average, indicating strong local demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Merced, CA area with a job density of 3.822 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 Merced, CA