Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $57,040. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,100, a common occurrence in areas with a cost of living that aligns with the national benchmark. Local market dynamics and demand within Wilmington directly influence this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,470.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, supports a dedicated workforce of 560 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. With a Location Quotient of 1.04, the concentration of these professionals in Wilmington is marginally higher than the national average, indicating a stable and consistent demand for their specialized skills within the local community.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wilmington, NC earns-11.0%below the national average.
$27.4
$1,097
$4,753
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the area have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing awareness of mental health needs and a corresponding rise in demand for qualified professionals.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wilmington, NC, is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but with experience and specialization, counselors can advance to senior roles commanding higher salaries, reflected in the widening salary gaps across experience levels.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $37,590 | $18.1 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $42,780 | $20.6 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $49,410 | $23.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $71,300 | $34.3 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $80,470 | $38.7 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $57,040 in Wilmington, NC, is perfectly balanced by the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Wilmington is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents.
Job Market Context
560
Total Jobs
2.975
Per 1K Jobs
1.04
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.04, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors roles compared to the national norm.
Wilmington, NC, exhibits a Location Quotient of 1.04 for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, suggesting a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy presence of these roles, implying a competitive yet accessible market for both employers seeking talent and professionals seeking employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
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 Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wilmington, NC is $57,040. This typically ranges from $37,590 for entry-level positions to $80,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 11.0% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, it offers a balanced financial environment.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living in Wilmington is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable. The slightly above-average concentration of these roles suggests consistent demand.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($53,750) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's counselor salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wilmington, NC, is $57,040, which is approximately 11% lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the cost of living in Wilmington, NC for counselors?
Wilmington, NC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the national benchmark.
How concentrated are mental health counseling jobs in Wilmington?
Wilmington has a Location Quotient of 1.04 for these roles, indicating a slightly higher concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors compared to the national average.
What is the total number of mental health counselors in Wilmington?
There are approximately 560 Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors employed in Wilmington, NC.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 560 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 2.975 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 Wilmington, NC