Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Portland-South Portland, ME, earn an average annual salary of $65,550. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $64,100, indicating a competitive market for these vital professionals. Local demand and the specific economic landscape of the region contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $91,360.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 660 professionals in this field, Portland-South Portland demonstrates a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, presence of Mental Health Counselors. The Location Quotient of 0.81 suggests that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately represented compared to the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with the general workforce.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Portland-South Portland, ME earns+2.3%above the national average.
$31.5
$1,261
$5,463
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Portland-South Portland isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a positive salary trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. The increasing awareness and de-stigmatization of mental health services typically drive demand, leading to salary growth for experienced and qualified counselors.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Portland-South Portland, ME
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Portland-South Portland is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $46,330 | $22.3 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $49,163 | $23.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $62,710 | $30.1 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $81,938 | $39.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $91,360 | $43.9 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,550 in Portland-South Portland, ME, is well-aligned with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle without significant financial strain related to living expenses.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
2.322
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Portland-South Portland, ME 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates that Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are slightly less concentrated in Portland-South Portland compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is present and potentially growing, without an oversaturation of professionals, offering good opportunities for those entering or established in the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Portland-South Portland, ME
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Portland-South Portland, ME?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Portland-South Portland, ME is $65,550. This typically ranges from $46,330 for entry-level positions to $91,360 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-South Portland, ME is 2.3% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary of $65,550 is above the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, making it a financially sound location for these professionals.
Is Portland-South Portland, ME a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-South Portland, ME is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-South Portland, ME?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lewiston-Auburn, ME ($56,140) and Central New Hampshire nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Portland-South Portland salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $65,550 in Portland-South Portland is approximately $1,450 higher than the national average of $64,100 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.
What is the concentration of Mental Health Counselors in Portland-South Portland?
The Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated in Portland-South Portland compared to the national average, suggesting a balanced market.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Mental Health Counselor's salary in Portland-South Portland?
No, the cost of living in Portland-South Portland is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the nominal salary of $65,550 holds its purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the total local workforce number suggest about job availability?
A total local workforce of 660 indicates a significant number of professionals in this field, suggesting a stable and established demand for their services within the community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Portland-South Portland, ME area with a job density of 2.322 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 Portland-South Portland, ME