Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $56,100. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100, reflecting the economic dynamics and potentially lower demand for specialized roles in nonmetropolitan regions. The specific pay scale in this area is influenced by local economic conditions and the concentration of healthcare facilities.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,100 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 32.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,690.
- Outlook: The job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area appears stable, albeit with a lower concentration than the national average. With a total local workforce of 270 individuals in this role, the demand, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.68, suggests a less saturated market compared to national trends. This could present opportunities for dedicated professionals, though the overall scale of employment is modest.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area earns-12.5%below the national average.
$27
$1,079
$4,675
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for mental health counselors over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Increased awareness and demand for mental health services have likely contributed to modest salary growth, even in regions outside major metropolitan hubs. This suggests a positive, albeit potentially slow, trajectory for compensation in this field.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary data, though not explicitly detailed here, generally signify substantial earning potential as counselors advance in their careers.
| 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) | $42,075 | $20.2 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $52,830 | $25.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $70,125 | $33.7 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $77,690 | $37.4 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,100
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,100
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,100 in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the cost of living parity suggests that the take-home pay offers a comparable lifestyle to that experienced in higher-cost metropolitan areas.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
1.933
Per 1K Jobs
0.68
Location Quotient
Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area has 0.68x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.68 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area indicates a lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is less competitive in terms of the sheer number of available counselors relative to the general workforce. While this might imply fewer job openings, it could also mean less direct competition for available positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area is $56,100. This typically ranges from $37,840 for entry-level positions to $77,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area is 12.5% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, it is not considered a lucrative place based on average salary.The average salary of $56,100 is below the national average, and while the cost of living is also at the national average, the lower nominal pay indicates less lucrative earning potential compared to national benchmarks.
Is Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Macon-Bibb County, GA ($59,110) and Warner Robins, GA.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers compare nationally?
With 1.933 jobs per 1,000 workers, the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area has a slightly lower density of these roles compared to the national average, reflecting its nonmetropolitan status.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient being 0.68?
A Location Quotient of 0.68 means that Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are less concentrated in this area than the national average, suggesting a smaller but potentially less competitive job market.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary?
No, the cost of living in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $56,100 salary has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors work in this area?
There are approximately 270 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.933 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 Middle Georgia nonmetropolitan area