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

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA

Median annual salary $61,400 +3.7% vs national
Median hourly $29.52
10th percentile $46,660
90th percentile $93,280
Employed locally 650
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
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $46,660
    25th
    $53,510
    50th (median)
    $61,400
    75th
    $81,080
    90th
    $93,280

    Des Moines economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.00% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $84,209 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

    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
    Ames, IA $66,320
    District of Columbia $66,140
    Iowa City, IA $65,210

    Related occupations in Des Moines, IA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Social and Human Service Assistants$42,580
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers$55,140
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$60,010
    Rehabilitation Counselors$41,070
    Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$80,600
    Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$60,290

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Des Moines, IA is $29.52, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $47.04 or more per hour.

    Is Des Moines 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 Des Moines, IA is 3.7% 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 Des Moines?

    Entry-level Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (10th percentile) earn around $46,660 per year in Des Moines, IA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $53,510.