Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Riverside, CA

In Riverside, CA, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors earn a median annual salary of $60,860, which translates to a median hourly wage of $29.26. This figure is slightly higher than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $59,190. When compared to the local household income in Riverside, where the median is $86,031, counselors' earnings fall short by approximately 29%. Despite this discrepancy, the role remains crucial within the community and contributes significantly to public health services, especially given Riverside's unemployment rate of 5.20%.

Entry-level Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Riverside typically earn around $42,120 annually, aligning with the 10th percentile mark, while those at the 25th percentile earn approximately $47,490. Conversely, more experienced professionals who fall within the 75th percentile can expect to make about $78,210, with top earners at the 90th percentile reaching up to $101,750 annually. The disparity in earnings largely stems from factors such as experience level, specialized certifications, and the complexity of client cases managed. Experienced counselors often take on supervisory roles or specialize in high-demand areas like addiction treatment, which further drives salary differences within this field.