Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Wilmington, NC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Wilmington, NC

Median annual salary $49,410 -16.5% vs national
Median hourly $23.76
10th percentile $37,590
90th percentile $80,470
Employed locally 560
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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Wilmington, NC
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $37,590
    25th
    $44,940
    50th (median)
    $49,410
    75th
    $68,150
    90th
    $80,470

    Wilmington economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $73,687 2023 • Census ACS
    Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary vs area income 67% Median Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary is 33% 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
    Anchorage, AK $79,830
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $72,950
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $71,530
    Balance of Nevada nonmetropolitan area $67,680
    Trenton-Princeton, NJ $63,850
    Raleigh-Cary, NC $60,350

    Related occupations in Wilmington, NC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Child, Family, and School Social Workers$62,350
    Social and Human Service Assistants$48,000
    Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$56,930
    Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$60,860
    Healthcare Social Workers$61,820
    Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$57,820

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Wilmington, NC is $23.76, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $41.20 or more per hour.

    Is Wilmington 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 Wilmington, NC is 16.5% 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 Wilmington?

    Entry-level Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors (10th percentile) earn around $37,590 per year in Wilmington, NC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $44,940.