Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Worcester, MA, earn an average annual salary of $61,810. This figure is slightly below the national average of $64,100, suggesting localized economic factors and demand dynamics influence compensation in this Massachusetts city. The specific needs and funding structures within the Worcester region contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,810 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,560.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,700 professionals in this field, Worcester demonstrates a significant concentration of these vital roles. The Location Quotient of 2.69 indicates that this profession is more than twice as prevalent in Worcester compared to the national average, signaling a robust and potentially growing job market with sustained demand for skilled counselors.
Salary Overview
The average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Worcester, MA earns-3.6%below the national average.
$29.7
$1,189
$5,151
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Worcester have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased awareness of mental health issues and evolving treatment methodologies likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation and job opportunities.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary Distribution in Worcester, MA
Career progression for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior counselors with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $43,070 | $20.7 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $46,358 | $22.3 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $56,480 | $27.2 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $77,263 | $37.1 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $85,560 | $41.1 |
Detailed Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,810
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$61,810
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $61,810 in Worcester aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Worcester is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents without significant cost-of-living advantages or disadvantages.
Job Market Context
2,700
Total Jobs
7.682
Per 1K Jobs
2.69
Location Quotient
Worcester, MA has 2.7x the national concentration of Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Worcester's Location Quotient of 2.69 is a strong indicator of a concentrated job market for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors. This high concentration suggests that the demand for these professionals is significantly above the national average, potentially leading to more job openings and a competitive environment for employers seeking talent.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Comparing salaries near Worcester, MA
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 Worcester, MA?
The median annual salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Worcester, MA is $61,810. This typically ranges from $43,070 for entry-level positions to $85,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Worcester, MA is 3.6% lower than the national median of $64,100.
Is Worcester, MA a lucrative place for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselorss?
Yes, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.69) and a cost of living index matching the national average indicate a stable and demand-driven market.
Is Worcester, MA a good place to live for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors?
The Cost of Living Index in Worcester, MA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Worcester, MA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area ($69,570) and Providence-Warwick, RI-MA.
How does Worcester's salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Worcester, MA is $61,810, which is slightly lower than the national average of $64,100.
What is the concentration of Mental Health Counselors in Worcester?
Worcester has a high concentration of these professionals, with a Location Quotient of 2.69, meaning the profession is more than 2.5 times as common there as in the U.S. overall.
How does the cost of living in Worcester affect salary?
Worcester's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $61,810 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the job market look like for these counselors in Worcester?
The job market appears robust, with a significant local workforce of 2,700 and a high concentration (LQ 2.69), indicating strong local demand for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,700 employees in the Worcester, MA area with a job density of 7.682 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 Worcester, MA