Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Springfield, MO, earn an average annual salary of $54,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this Missouri city. The specific needs and funding structures within the Springfield area likely contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 76.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,790.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 790 professionals in this field and a Location Quotient of 1.25, Springfield, MO, demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market with consistent demand for mental health and substance abuse counselors.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Springfield, MO earns-15.0%below the national average.
$26.2
$1,048
$4,543
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 Springfield, MO, 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 Springfield, MO
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Springfield, MO, typically correlates with increased experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior counselors with extensive experience and advanced certifications can command significantly higher earnings, reflecting their expertise and the complexity of cases they manage.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $35,520 | $17.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $40,883 | $19.7 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $47,900 | $23 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $68,138 | $32.8 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $75,790 | $36.4 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,510 in Springfield, MO, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Springfield is equivalent to that of a counselor earning the national average in a location with average living costs, offering a stable financial foundation.
Job Market Context
790
Total Jobs
3.565
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, Springfield, MO has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.25 signifies that Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are more concentrated in Springfield, MO, than the national average. This suggests a robust local market with a steady demand for these specialized services, potentially offering more opportunities for employment and career development within the region compared to areas with lower concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Springfield, MO
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 Springfield, MO?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Springfield, MO is $54,510. This typically ranges from $35,520 for entry-level positions to $75,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Springfield, MO is 15.0% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Springfield, MO a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, but it offers stable employment.While the average salary of $54,510 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The market shows a healthy concentration of these roles, indicating consistent demand.
Is Springfield, MO a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Springfield, MO is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Springfield, MO?
Some top paying nearby cities include Joplin, MO-KS ($58,730) and Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR.
How does Springfield, MO's counselor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for these counselors in Springfield, MO, is $54,510, which is lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, MO for counselors?
Springfield, MO, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for mental health counselors in Springfield, MO?
With a Location Quotient of 1.25, there is a slightly higher concentration of these professionals in Springfield, MO, than the national average, indicating steady demand.
How many Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors work in Springfield, MO?
There are approximately 790 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in the Springfield, MO area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 790 employees in the Springfield, MO area with a job density of 3.565 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 Springfield, MO