Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Richmond, VA

In Richmond, VA, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors typically earn a median annual salary of $56,850, which is approximately $2,340 below the national median for this occupation. When compared to the local area's median household income of $84,405, these counselors' earnings constitute about 67% of the average household income in Richmond. This comparison highlights that while the position provides a stable income, it remains somewhat lower than the broader community's financial benchmark.

For entry-level workers in this field, salaries start near the 10th percentile at approximately $36,870 annually. As counselors gain experience and advance within their careers, earnings can rise significantly, reaching up to the 90th percentile with an annual salary of $91,250. The disparity between these income levels is driven by factors such as years of experience, level of education attained, geographic location, and specialization within the field. Experienced professionals often command higher salaries due to their expertise and ability to handle complex cases or administrative responsibilities.