South Carolina ranks 42nd of 51 states and D.C. for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors pay, trailing top-paying Alaska ($79,220) by $28,500 — a 56% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $34,730 to $84,190 — a $49,460 spread, 16% tighter than the national $59,120 range.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are less concentrated in South Carolina than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.72 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.39× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $34,730 | $16.70 |
| 25th percentile | $40,480 | $19.46 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $50,720 | $24.39 |
| 75th percentile | $65,770 | $31.62 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $84,190 | $40.48 |
| Mean (average) | $55,450 | $26.66 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $50,720 | n/a |
| Alaska | $79,220 | +56% |
| New Mexico | $70,770 | +40% |
| Oregon | $69,660 | +37% |
| North Dakota | $66,450 | +31% |
| District of Columbia | $66,140 | +30% |
| Utah | $65,920 | +30% |
| Idaho | $65,240 | +29% |
| New Jersey | $64,710 | +28% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | $50,710 | 1,540 |
| Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | $50,750 | 2,310 |
| Structural Iron and Steel Workers | $50,650 | 670 |
| Computer User Support Specialists | $50,500 | 10,510 |
| Paramedics | $50,130 | 2,100 |
| Cargo and Freight Agents | $51,420 | 2,130 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary in South Carolina?
The mean substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors salary in South Carolina is $55,450 per year. The median (middle) salary is $50,720 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in South Carolina?
Entry-level substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselorss (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $34,730 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $40,480 per year.
What is the highest Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $84,190 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $65,770 per year.
How does the South Carolina Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary compare to the national average?
The median substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors salary in South Carolina is $50,720, which is -14% below national average of $59,190.