In Savannah, GA, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn an average annual salary of $62,230. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,100, suggesting that local market dynamics and economic factors specific to Savannah influence compensation levels for these vital professionals.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 47.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $89,690.
- Outlook: The job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Savannah, GA, while not exhibiting a high concentration relative to the national average (Location Quotient of 0.55), is supported by a local workforce of 310 individuals. The presence of 1.58 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady, albeit not booming, demand for these services within the community, suggesting a stable employment landscape for qualified professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Savannah, GA earns-2.9%below the national average.
$29.9
$1,197
$5,186
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Savannah is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the field of mental health counseling has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing awareness of mental health issues and a greater demand for accessible support services, which would generally translate to upward pressure on salaries for experienced counselors.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Savannah, GA
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Savannah, GA, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $43,040 | $20.7 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $46,673 | $22.4 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $55,010 | $26.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $77,788 | $37.4 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $89,690 | $43.1 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,230 in Savannah, GA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, as indicated by the Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Savannah is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of a higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
1.58
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
Savannah, GA has 0.55x 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 0.55, Savannah, GA, has a lower concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors compared to the national average. This suggests that while the demand exists, the market is less saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for new entrants or those looking to relocate, though it also implies that the overall number of available positions might be more limited than in highly concentrated areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Savannah, GA
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 Savannah, GA?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Savannah, GA is $62,230. This typically ranges from $43,040 for entry-level positions to $89,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Savannah, GA is 2.9% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Savannah, GA 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 $62,230 is slightly below the national average of $64,100, and the cost of living is on par with the national average. While stable, it does not offer a substantial financial advantage over other regions.
Is Savannah, GA a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Savannah, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Savannah, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($50,470) and Hinesville, GA.
How does Savannah's job market compare to national demand for counselors?
Savannah's job market for these counselors has a lower concentration (LQ 0.55) than the national average, indicating fewer jobs per capita relative to the rest of the country, though there are still 1.58 jobs per 1,000 workers.
What is the typical salary range for counselors in Savannah?
While the average is $62,230, salary ranges can vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and employer. Entry-level roles will be lower, while senior positions can command higher salaries.
Is Savannah a good place to start a career as a mental health counselor?
Given the stable job market and average cost of living, Savannah can be a reasonable place to start a career. However, the slightly lower-than-average salary might be a consideration for those prioritizing higher earning potential.
How does the cost of living affect the counselor salary in Savannah?
The cost of living in Savannah is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $62,230 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, offering a balanced financial outlook.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Savannah, GA area with a job density of 1.58 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 Savannah, GA