In Wichita, KS, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn an average annual salary of $56,990. This figure is notably below the national average of $64,100, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in compensation within this specific region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,990 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,720.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wichita, KS, comprises 380 professionals. While this represents a modest segment of the overall labor market, the Location Quotient of 0.43 indicates a lower concentration compared to the national average, suggesting potential opportunities for growth and stability for those in the field.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wichita, KS earns-11.1%below the national average.
$27.4
$1,096
$4,749
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wichita's mental health counselor salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation in this sector has seen incremental growth, mirroring broader economic trends and increasing demand for mental health services nationwide.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Wichita, KS
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wichita, KS, typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at lower percentiles, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career trajectory and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $35,690 | $17.2 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,743 | $20.5 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $57,180 | $27.5 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $71,238 | $34.2 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $74,720 | $35.9 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,990
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,990
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $56,990 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal salary in Wichita, KS, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Wichita is comparable to that of a counselor earning the national average salary in a location with average living expenses.
Job Market Context
380
Total Jobs
1.228
Per 1K Jobs
0.43
Location Quotient
At 0.43x, Wichita, KS has a notably lower concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient of 0.43 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wichita, KS, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while the demand may not be exceptionally high, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering a stable environment for practitioners.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas nonmetropolitan area Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary | $57,210↑ 0% | 67 mi |
| Enid, OK Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary | $62,820↑ 10% | 93 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wichita, KS
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 Wichita, KS?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wichita, KS is $56,990. This typically ranges from $35,690 for entry-level positions to $74,720 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wichita, KS is 11.1% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Wichita, KS a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $56,990 is below the national average of $64,100, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Wichita, KS a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Wichita, KS is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wichita, KS?
Some top paying nearby cities include Kansas nonmetropolitan area ($57,210) and Enid, OK.
How does Wichita's counselor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wichita, KS, is $56,990, which is lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of mental health counselors in Wichita compared to the rest of the US?
Wichita has a lower concentration of these counselors, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.43, meaning the profession is less prevalent locally than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Wichita affect salary perception?
Wichita's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $56,990 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a location with average living costs.
What does the job market size suggest for counselors in Wichita?
With a total local workforce of 380, the market is of moderate size, and the lower concentration suggests potential for steady employment without intense competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 380 employees in the Wichita, KS area with a job density of 1.228 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 Wichita, KS