Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors Salary in Anchorage, AK
The median pay for a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Anchorage, AK is $79,830/year ($38.38/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $57K at the entry level to $131K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 105.42), so that salary is closer to $75,726 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,376/month, or 24.8% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $80K get you in Anchorage?
About substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Anchorage, AK
Entry-level substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (10th percentile) start around $57K. Mid-career wages sit at $80K.Top earners bring in $131K or more - a $74K spread from bottom to top.
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $79K | +34% | 1,060 |
| New Mexico | $71K | +20% | 2,070 |
| Oregon | $70K | +18% | 6,410 |
| North Dakota | $66K | +12% | 1,180 |
| District of Columbia | $66K | +12% | 980 |
| Utah | $66K | +11% | 4,720 |
| Idaho | $65K | +10% | 2,130 |
| New Jersey | $65K | +9% | 14,640 |
| Nebraska | $64K | +9% | 1,980 |
| Washington | $64K | +8% | 13,150 |
| Arizona | $64K | +8% | 8,970 |
| Connecticut | $63K | +6% | 6,470 |
| Wisconsin | $62K | +6% | 9,450 |
| New York | $62K | +5% | 22,450 |
| Wyoming | $62K | +4% | 840 |
Track substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Anchorage numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors make in Anchorage, AK?
The median is $79,830 a year - that works out to about $38.38 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $57,110, and experienced substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors can clear $131,380. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $80K enough to live in Anchorage?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $5,379/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,376/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 25.6% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors salary go in Anchorage?
Anchorage has a Regional Price Parity of 105.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors salary is worth about $75,726 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.