Average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Virginia
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $63,630, a figure slightly below the national average of $64,100. This minor difference can be attributed to a combination of factors including regional demand, state-specific funding for mental health services, and the overall economic landscape of Virginia.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $63,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $96,230.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 16,860 professionals, Virginia demonstrates a significant presence in the field of mental health counseling. The Location Quotient of 1.45 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a well-established job market for these essential services within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Virginia earns-0.7%below the national average.
$30.6
$1,224
$5,303
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 Virginia have experienced a steady upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is likely driven by increasing awareness of mental health issues, expanded insurance coverage, and greater investment in behavioral health services across the state.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Virginia
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Virginia typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear path for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $39,150 | $18.8 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $47,723 | $22.9 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $58,410 | $28.1 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $79,538 | $38.2 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $96,230 | $46.3 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$63,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,751
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The average annual salary of $63,630 in Virginia aligns closely with the state's Cost of Living Index of 101.4, which is just slightly above the national average. This suggests that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Virginia is relatively stable, offering a comparable standard of living to the national average, with minimal impact from higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
16,860
Total Jobs
4.148
Per 1K Jobs
1.45
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.45, Virginia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors roles compared to the national norm.
Virginia's Location Quotient of 1.45 signifies a notable concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors relative to the national average. This indicates a competitive yet abundant job market where demand for these services is higher than the national benchmark, offering ample opportunities for both new entrants and experienced professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Virginia is $63,630. This typically ranges from $39,150 for entry-level positions to $96,230 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 0.7% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, Virginia offers a competitive environment for these professionals.The state's average salary is close to the national average, and a higher-than-average concentration of jobs suggests strong demand and good earning potential.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($58,530) and Richmond, VA.
How does Virginia's average salary compare to the national average?
Virginia's average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors is $63,630, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of these counselors in Virginia?
Virginia has a Location Quotient of 1.45 for these roles, indicating a concentration that is 45% higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Virginia affect salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 101.4, Virginia is only slightly more expensive than the national average, meaning the $63,630 salary offers a comparable standard of living.
What is the total number of these counselors in Virginia?
There are approximately 16,860 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors working in Virginia.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 16,860 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 4.148 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 Virginia