Virginia ranks 30th of 51 states and D.C. for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors pay, trailing top-paying Alaska ($79,220) by $20,810 — a 36% gap.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors are more concentrated in Virginia than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 1.45 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.45× the national share.
Virginia employs roughly 3.8% of all substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in the country (16,860 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $39,150 | $18.82 |
| 25th percentile | $47,530 | $22.85 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,410 | $28.08 |
| 75th percentile | $76,530 | $36.79 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $96,230 | $46.26 |
| Mean (average) | $63,630 | $30.59 |
How Virginia Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia (current) | $58,410 | n/a |
| Alaska | $79,220 | +36% |
| New Mexico | $70,770 | +21% |
| Oregon | $69,660 | +19% |
| North Dakota | $66,450 | +14% |
| District of Columbia | $66,140 | +13% |
| Utah | $65,920 | +13% |
| Idaho | $65,240 | +12% |
| New Jersey | $64,710 | +11% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Virginia
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Postal Service Mail Carriers | $58,390 | 8,110 |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $58,490 | 3,870 |
| Firefighters | $58,300 | 10,820 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $58,530 | 7,870 |
| Paramedics | $58,570 | 1,690 |
| Glaziers | $58,240 | 630 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary in Virginia?
The mean substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors salary in Virginia is $63,630 per year. The median (middle) salary is $58,410 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Virginia?
Entry-level substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselorss (10th percentile) in Virginia typically earn around $39,150 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $47,530 per year.
What is the highest Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary in Virginia?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Virginia make approximately $96,230 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $76,530 per year.
How does the Virginia 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 Virginia is $58,410, which is -1% below national average of $59,190.