Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay in Knoxville
In Knoxville (TN), the median pay for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is $23.52 an hour ($48,910 a year). About 1,060 people work in this job there.
That is 18% lower than the U.S. median ($59,350). It is about the same as the Tennessee median ($49,580).
Pay range for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors in Knoxville (TN)
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $17.33 | $36,040 |
| 25% of workers | $18.49 | $38,460 |
| Half of workers (median) | $23.52 | $48,910 |
| 75% of workers | $28.60 | $59,490 |
| 90% of workers | $36.78 | $76,500 |
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors pay in Tennessee metro areas
| Metro area | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Chattanooga | $55,270 | 600 |
| Morristown | $50,990 | 50 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin | $50,810 | 3,440 |
| Memphis | $50,260 | 1,560 |
| Kingsport-Bristol | $49,220 | 250 |
| Knoxville (this page) | $48,910 | 1,060 |
| Johnson City | $46,980 | 220 |
| Jackson | $46,520 | 420 |
| Cleveland | $44,820 | 110 |
| Clarksville | $43,970 | 590 |
Tennessee unemployment rate: 3.4% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Education, experience and outlook for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors
- Typical education to start: Master's degree (BLS)
- Training on the job: Internship/residency (BLS)
- Job outlook: +18.4% over ten years, much faster than average · about 50,500 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in Knoxville (TN)
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $56,310 |
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.