Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

Median annual salary $57,660 -2.6% vs national
Median hourly $27.72
10th percentile $38,700
90th percentile $90,630
Employed locally 3,450
National median $59,190

Compare Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary & buying power

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    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in the Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN metro area earn a median annual salary of $57,660, which is slightly below the national median of $59,190. The local median household income stands at $79,490, indicating that the typical counselor's earnings are approximately 72% of the average household income for this region. This discrepancy highlights the potential challenges faced by counselors in meeting the broader financial benchmarks set by other occupations within the area.

    Entry-level workers in this field can expect to earn around $38,700 annually, which is at the 10th percentile, while more experienced professionals may reach up to $90,630 at the 90th percentile. The substantial variation in earnings is primarily driven by factors such as experience, education level, specialization within mental health fields, and geographic location within the tri-state area. As counselors gain expertise and credentials, they often see significant salary increases, reflecting their enhanced ability to handle complex cases and provide specialized services.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $38,700
    25th
    $47,300
    50th (median)
    $57,660
    75th
    $71,250
    90th
    $90,630

    Cincinnati economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $79,490 2023 • Census ACS
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary vs area income 73% Median Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary is 27% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN is $27.72, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $39.33 or more per hour.

    Is Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN is 2.6% below 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 Cincinnati?

    Entry-level Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (10th percentile) earn around $38,700 per year in Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $47,300.