Average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Waco, TX
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Waco, TX, earn an average annual salary of $64,230. This figure is slightly above the national average of $64,100, indicating a stable demand for these essential services within the local community. Factors such as the specific needs of the Waco population and the local healthcare infrastructure contribute to this competitive compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $64,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 93.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $88,410.
- Outlook: The job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Waco, TX, appears moderately robust. With a total local workforce of 210 individuals in this field, the presence of 1.579 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, albeit not exceptionally high, level of demand. The Location Quotient of 0.55 indicates that this profession is less concentrated in Waco compared to the national average, implying potential opportunities for growth and a steady need for qualified professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Waco, TX earns+0.2%above the national average.
$30.9
$1,235
$5,353
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Waco is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of mental health issues, expanding service needs, and a growing recognition of the value these professionals bring to the community.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Waco, TX
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Waco, TX, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the accumulation of expertise, client management skills, and potentially supervisory responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $37,130 | $17.9 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $48,173 | $23.2 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $57,290 | $27.5 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $80,288 | $38.6 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $88,410 | $42.5 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$64,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$64,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
For professionals considering a move to Waco, TX, the average annual salary of $64,230 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Waco is equivalent to the national average, allowing for a comparable standard of living without financial strain related to higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
1.579
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
Waco, TX has 0.55x 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.
The Location Quotient of 0.55 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Waco, TX, suggests that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This indicates that while there is a presence of these roles, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a more accessible entry point for new professionals and a stable environment for existing ones. It implies a balanced demand relative to the supply of counselors in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Waco, TX
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 Waco, TX?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Waco, TX is $64,230. This typically ranges from $37,130 for entry-level positions to $88,410 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Waco, TX is 0.2% higher than the national median of $64,100.
Is Waco, TX a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, Waco, TX offers a competitive salary for these professionals.The average salary of $64,230 is slightly above the national average, and with a Cost of Living Index of 100, your earnings will maintain strong purchasing power.
Is Waco, TX a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Waco, TX is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Waco, TX?
Some top paying nearby cities include North Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area ($66,140) and Northwestern Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area.
How does Waco's salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Waco, TX, is $64,230, which is slightly higher than the national average of $64,100.
What is the Cost of Living in Waco, TX?
Waco, TX has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for these counselors in Waco?
With 1.579 jobs per 1,000 workers and a Location Quotient of 0.55, the demand is present and steady, though not as concentrated as the national average.
How many mental health counselors work in Waco?
There are approximately 210 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors working in the Waco, TX area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Waco, TX area with a job density of 1.579 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 Waco, TX