Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Roanoke, VA, earn an average annual salary of $55,910. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation levels in this Virginia city. The specific economic landscape of Roanoke plays a crucial role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,890.
- Outlook: The Roanoke job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors appears robust, with a total local workforce of 750 professionals. The location quotient of 1.73 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, signaling strong local demand and a potentially stable job environment for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Roanoke, VA earns-12.8%below the national average.
$26.9
$1,075
$4,659
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 Roanoke have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, increased awareness of mental health services, and evolving healthcare needs likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation within the field.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Roanoke, VA
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Roanoke typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, reflecting the significant percentile gaps that signify career advancement and accumulated expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $38,010 | $18.3 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $41,933 | $20.2 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $50,750 | $24.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $69,888 | $33.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $77,890 | $37.4 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,910 in Roanoke, VA, 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 Roanoke is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressures of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
4.954
Per 1K Jobs
1.73
Location Quotient
Roanoke, VA has 1.7x the national concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a location quotient of 1.73, Roanoke demonstrates a concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors that is 73% higher than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet potentially abundant job market, where demand is strong enough to support a larger professional base than typically found elsewhere, offering good opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Roanoke, VA
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 Roanoke, VA?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Roanoke, VA is $55,910. This typically ranges from $38,010 for entry-level positions to $77,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Roanoke, VA is 12.8% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Roanoke, VA a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While Roanoke has a strong concentration of these roles, the average salary of $55,910 is below the national average of $64,100. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.
Is Roanoke, VA a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Roanoke, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Roanoke, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA ($54,000) and Lynchburg, VA.
How does Roanoke's concentration of counselors compare to the national average?
Roanoke has a concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors that is 73% higher than the national average, indicated by a location quotient of 1.73.
What is the average number of these counselors per 1,000 workers in Roanoke?
In Roanoke, there are approximately 4.954 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors per 1,000 workers.
How does the cost of living in Roanoke affect the salary for counselors?
The cost of living in Roanoke is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $55,910 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a national average cost of living area.
Are there many job opportunities for these counselors in Roanoke?
Yes, the high location quotient suggests a strong local demand and a significant presence of these professionals, indicating a healthy job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Roanoke, VA area with a job density of 4.954 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 Roanoke, VA