Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $64,650. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $64,100, indicating a competitive market for these vital professionals. The specific demand and localized economic factors within this region contribute to this favorable compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,870.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 550 individuals in this specialized field, the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a notable concentration of mental health counselors. The Location Quotient of 1.76 signifies that this profession is significantly more prevalent here than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing job market with consistent demand for these services.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns+0.9%above the national average.
$31.1
$1,243
$5,388
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 the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs and sustained demand for counseling services.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $41,590 | $20 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $48,488 | $23.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $62,770 | $30.2 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $80,813 | $38.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $88,870 | $42.7 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $64,650 in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial foundation for residents without the added burden of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
5.038
Per 1K Jobs
1.76
Location Quotient
Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 1.8x 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.
The Location Quotient of 1.76 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area indicates a market that is 76% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a strong demand for these professionals relative to the general workforce, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive environment for employers seeking qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $64,650. This typically ranges from $41,590 for entry-level positions to $88,870 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 0.9% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.The average salary slightly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national index, making it financially attractive.
Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($58,840) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for this role?
The local job market is significantly more concentrated, with a Location Quotient of 1.76, indicating a higher prevalence of these jobs compared to the national average.
What is the cost of living impact on salary in Southwest Colorado?
The cost of living index is 100, matching the national average, meaning the $64,650 salary has standard purchasing power.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors work in this area?
There are approximately 550 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area.
Are there many job openings for Mental Health Counselors in Southwest Colorado?
With a Location Quotient of 1.76, the concentration of these roles is higher than the national average, suggesting a healthy number of opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 5.038 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 Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- All Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area
- Browse All Jobs in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area