Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Knoxville, TN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Knoxville, TN

Median annual salary $45,400 -23.3% vs national
Median hourly $21.83
10th percentile $29,390
90th percentile $70,800
Employed locally 880
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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Knoxville, TN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $29,390
    25th
    $36,250
    50th (median)
    $45,400
    75th
    $57,760
    90th
    $70,800

    Knoxville economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.20% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $69,734 2023 • Census ACS
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary vs area income 65% Median Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary is 35% 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
    Cleveland, TN $56,990
    Morristown, TN $50,990
    Chattanooga, TN-GA $50,220
    Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN $49,820
    Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA $49,610
    Memphis, TN-MS-AR $48,940

    Related occupations in Knoxville, TN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers $53,980
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $53,140
    Social and Human Service Assistants $36,420
    Healthcare Social Workers $61,810
    Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $50,500
    Marriage and Family Therapists $43,260

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Knoxville, TN is $21.83, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $36.78 or more per hour.

    Is Knoxville 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 Knoxville, TN is 23.3% 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 Knoxville?

    Entry-level Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (10th percentile) earn around $29,390 per year in Knoxville, TN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $36,250.