Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Oklahoma City, OK, earn an average annual salary of $65,200. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $64,100, indicating a competitive, albeit not significantly higher, compensation landscape in the region. Local economic factors and demand dynamics likely contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,200 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,550.
- Outlook: Oklahoma City's market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors is moderately concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 0.86, suggesting a presence that is close to the national average in terms of workforce representation. The total local workforce of 1,640 individuals in this field, coupled with 2.45 jobs per 1,000 workers, points to a stable and established demand for these essential services within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Oklahoma City, OK earns+1.7%above the national average.
$31.3
$1,254
$5,433
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 Oklahoma City have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs, evolving treatment methodologies, and a persistent demand for qualified professionals.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Oklahoma City, OK
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Oklahoma City typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher earnings, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $35,950 | $17.3 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $48,900 | $23.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $61,650 | $29.6 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $81,500 | $39.2 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $96,550 | $46.4 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,200
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,200
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,200 in Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the immediate pressure of high living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,640
Total Jobs
2.45
Per 1K Jobs
0.86
Location Quotient
Oklahoma City, OK has 0.86x 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 0.86, Oklahoma City's market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-represented, there may be opportunities for growth and a potentially less saturated job market compared to areas with higher concentration, offering a balanced competitive environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Oklahoma City, OK
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 Oklahoma City, OK?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Oklahoma City, OK is $65,200. This typically ranges from $35,950 for entry-level positions to $96,550 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Oklahoma City, OK is 1.7% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.The average salary of $65,200 is slightly above the national average, and with a cost of living index matching the national average, the purchasing power is strong.
Is Oklahoma City, OK a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Oklahoma City, OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Oklahoma City, OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Southeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area ($61,780) and Northeast Oklahoma nonmetropolitan area.
How does Oklahoma City's counselor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for these counselors in Oklahoma City is $65,200, which is slightly higher than the national average of $64,100.
What is the job market like for these counselors in Oklahoma City?
The job market is stable, with 1,640 professionals in the field and 2.45 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating consistent demand.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a counselor's salary in Oklahoma City?
No, the cost of living in Oklahoma City is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $65,200 salary has average purchasing power.
How concentrated is the field of mental health counseling in Oklahoma City compared to the rest of the US?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.86, is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced presence of professionals in the field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,640 employees in the Oklahoma City, OK area with a job density of 2.45 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 Oklahoma City, OK