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State comparison · 2025

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors salary: Alaska vs California

Occupation

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors in Alaska earn a median of $80,770. In California, $59,250. After cost-of-living, the gap is 47.4% — not 36.3%.

Nominal pay gap
+36.3%
Alaska vs California
COL-adjusted gap
+47.4%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

Alaska

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

Median
$80,770
p25
$65,710
p75
$97,960
p10
$58,240
p90
$114,650
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
102.4
See full breakdown for Alaska

California

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

Median
$59,250
p25
$47,640
p75
$80,570
p10
$44,640
p90
$111,080
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
See full breakdown for California

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.