Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in San Luis Obispo, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA

Median annual salary $59,990 +1.4% vs national
Median hourly $28.84
10th percentile $44,260
90th percentile $102,520
Employed locally 510
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
    $44,260
    25th
    $46,900
    50th (median)
    $59,990
    75th
    $102,520
    90th
    $102,520

    San Luis Obispo economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $93,398 2023 • Census ACS
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary vs area income 64% Median Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary is 36% 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
    Hanford-Corcoran, CA $76,240
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $74,670
    Vallejo, CA $74,210
    Napa, CA $73,960
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $72,950
    Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA $72,380

    Related occupations in San Luis Obispo, CA

    OccupationMedian salary
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$98,280
    Social and Human Service Assistants$47,620
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers$62,400
    Health Education Specialists$59,620
    Rehabilitation Counselors$42,490
    Healthcare Social Workers$132,790

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in San Luis Obispo, CA is $28.84, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $49.57 or more per hour.

    Is San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo, CA is 1.4% 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 San Luis Obispo?

    Entry-level Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (10th percentile) earn around $44,260 per year in San Luis Obispo, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $46,900.