Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Ames, IA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Ames, IA

Median annual salary $66,320 +12% vs national
Median hourly $31.88
10th percentile $42,200
90th percentile $122,580
Employed locally 90
National median $59,190

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Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
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Ames, IA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $42,200
    25th
    $51,970
    50th (median)
    $66,320
    75th
    $113,190
    90th
    $122,580

    Ames economic context

    Unemployment rate 2.40% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $71,090 2023 • Census ACS
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary vs area income 93% Median Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary is 7% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Bend, OR $82,380
    Ogden, UT $81,300
    Alaska nonmetropolitan area $80,470
    Anchorage, AK $79,830
    Alaska $79,220
    Fairbanks-College, AK $78,750

    Nearby metros — Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $72,380
    Omaha, NE-IA $68,090
    Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA $66,540
    District of Columbia $66,140
    Iowa City, IA $65,210
    Cedar Rapids, IA $65,050

    Related occupations in Ames, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$48,570
    Social and Human Service Assistants$37,000
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers$44,950
    Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$42,920
    Healthcare Social Workers$62,500

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors make per hour in Ames?

    The median hourly wage for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Ames, IA is $31.88, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $59.27 or more per hour.

    Is Ames above or below average for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salaries?

    The median Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary in Ames, IA is 12% above the national median of $59,190. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Ames?

    Entry-level Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (10th percentile) earn around $42,200 per year in Ames, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $51,970.