Average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Topeka, KS
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Topeka, KS, earn an average annual salary of $61,090. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,100, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the Topeka region. While the nominal salary may appear lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,090 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 40.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,420.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 270 professionals in this field and a Location Quotient of 0.85, Topeka presents a moderately concentrated market for mental health counselors. The concentration suggests that while the profession is present, it is not disproportionately represented compared to the national landscape, indicating a stable yet not oversaturated job market.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Topeka, KS earns-4.7%below the national average.
$29.4
$1,175
$5,091
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Topeka is not provided, the field of mental health counseling has generally experienced consistent growth nationwide over the past four years, driven by increasing awareness and demand for services. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for these dedicated professionals in Topeka have also seen a gradual upward trend, mirroring this broader positive trajectory.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Topeka, KS
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average, with percentile gaps clearly signifying this career advancement.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $36,280 | $17.4 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $45,818 | $22 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $59,110 | $28.4 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $76,363 | $36.7 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $80,420 | $38.7 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,090
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,090
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,090 in Topeka aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a mental health counselor's salary in Topeka is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a comparable standard of living to that found across the United States.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
2.442
Per 1K Jobs
0.85
Location Quotient
Topeka, KS has 0.85x 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 0.85 indicates that Topeka has a slightly lower concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors compared to the national average. This suggests a job market that is neither exceptionally competitive nor lacking in opportunities, offering a balanced environment for professionals seeking employment in this vital sector.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Topeka, KS
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Topeka, KS?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Topeka, KS is $61,090. This typically ranges from $36,280 for entry-level positions to $80,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Topeka, KS is 4.7% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Topeka, KS a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, but it offers comparable living standards.While the average salary of $61,090 is below the national average, the cost of living in Topeka is also at the national average. This means your earnings will afford you a similar lifestyle to what you might expect elsewhere in the country.
Is Topeka, KS a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Topeka, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Topeka, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lawrence, KS ($58,130) and Manhattan, KS.
How does Topeka's salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Topeka, KS is $61,090, which is approximately $3,010 less than the national average of $64,100.
What is the job market like for mental health counselors in Topeka?
The job market in Topeka is moderately concentrated, with 2.442 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.85, indicating a stable demand for these professionals.
Does experience significantly impact salary in this role?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less than senior counselors who possess specialized skills and extensive practice.
How does the cost of living affect the Topeka salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Topeka salary of $61,090 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Topeka, KS area with a job density of 2.442 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 Topeka, KS