In Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn an average annual salary of $55,370. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this compensation difference. Understanding these local factors is crucial for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 33.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,630.
- Outlook: The local job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Nashville area is moderately concentrated, with a total workforce of 2,550 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates a slightly lower presence compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand for these specialized roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN earns-13.6%below the national average.
$26.6
$1,065
$4,614
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 salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Nashville area have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased awareness of mental health issues and a growing need for accessible services likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
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 senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well above the average, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $32,610 | $15.7 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $41,528 | $20 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $49,820 | $24 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $69,213 | $33.3 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $79,630 | $38.3 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,370 in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is equivalent to the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this region is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the cost of living, offering a stable financial environment.
Job Market Context
2,550
Total Jobs
2.323
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN has 0.81x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.81, the market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN, is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it may not be as saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled professionals, though competition might be less intense than in more concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is $55,370. This typically ranges from $32,610 for entry-level positions to $79,630 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 13.6% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.The average salary of $55,370 is below the national average of $64,100, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, indicating no substantial financial advantage.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area ($45,420) and South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
How does Nashville's counselor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for these counselors in Nashville is $55,370, which is lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of these counselors in Nashville?
The Location Quotient is 0.81, meaning the concentration of these professionals in Nashville is slightly lower than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Nashville counselor salary?
No, the cost of living in Nashville is at the national average (100), so the $55,370 salary has average purchasing power.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are there in Nashville?
There are approximately 2,550 individuals employed in this field within the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,550 employees in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area with a job density of 2.323 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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- All Occupations Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Management Occupations Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Production Occupations Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
- Browse All Jobs in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN