Average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Tennessee
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Tennessee earn an average annual salary of $51,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100. The disparity in compensation is often influenced by regional economic factors, the overall demand for specialized services, and the prevailing wage scales within the state's healthcare sector.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,480 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 27.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,240.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,310 professionals, Tennessee demonstrates a solid presence in the field of mental health counseling. The Location Quotient of 0.78 suggests that while the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, the demand is consistent, indicating a stable job market for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Tennessee earns-19.7%below the national average.
$24.8
$990
$4,290
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past four years, it is generally assumed that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Tennessee have experienced a gradual upward trend. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of mental health issues, expanding service needs, and adjustments in compensation to attract and retain skilled professionals in a competitive landscape.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Tennessee
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Tennessee typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting their expertise and the value they bring to patient care.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $30,890 | $14.9 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $38,610 | $18.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $48,170 | $23.2 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $64,350 | $30.9 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $75,240 | $36.2 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,480
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,947
Adjusted for COL (90.4)
The average annual salary of $51,480 in Tennessee is particularly advantageous when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.4. This index, which is below the national average of 100, indicates that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Tennessee is relatively strong, allowing for a comfortable standard of living.
Job Market Context
7,310
Total Jobs
2.233
Per 1K Jobs
0.78
Location Quotient
Tennessee has 0.78x 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 0.78 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Tennessee signifies that the state has a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a market that is neither oversaturated nor critically undersupplied, presenting a balanced environment for job seekers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Tennessee
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Tennessee?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Tennessee is $51,480. This typically ranges from $30,890 for entry-level positions to $75,240 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 19.7% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $51,480 is below the national average, Tennessee's lower cost of living (90.4) means your earnings can go further, offering good value.
Is Tennessee a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Tennessee?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($55,370) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
How does Tennessee's average salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Tennessee is $51,480, which is lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of Mental Health Counselors in Tennessee?
Tennessee has a Location Quotient of 0.78 for these professionals, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living affect salary perception in Tennessee?
With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee's lower cost of living enhances the purchasing power of the $51,480 average salary, making it more favorable than the nominal figure might suggest.
What is the total workforce size for this role in Tennessee?
There are approximately 7,310 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in Tennessee.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,310 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 2.233 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 Tennessee