A peer support specialist in Texas earns an average salary of $33,580 per year according to 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This position is part of the broader community and social service occupations category tracked by the BLS. There are a few key factors that influence earnings for peer support specialists in the state.
What is a peer support specialist?
A peer support specialist is a professional who draws on shared personal experience to provide support services to others in recovery from mental illness and/or substance use disorders. They serve as a mentor and advocate, helping to guide others through the recovery process. Peer support specialists may work in a variety of settings including mental health clinics, substance abuse treatment centers, hospitals, criminal justice programs, homeless shelters, and more.
How is pay determined for peer support specialists?
There are several variables that impact how much a peer support specialist in Texas earns on average:
- Location within Texas – There are regional differences in average wages across the state. Peer support specialists in metropolitan areas generally earn more than those in rural parts of Texas.
- Experience and qualifications – Peer support specialists with more work experience, education, or specialty certifications typically command higher salaries.
- Employer type – Texas peer support specialists working in government agencies, hospitals, and clinics tend to be higher paid than those at nonprofit organizations and smaller community programs.
- Full-time vs part-time – Full-time peer support specialists usually earn more overall than part-time workers.
- Certification – Certified Peer Specialists accredited by the Via Hope program in Texas earn an average of $34,730 which is slightly higher than noncertified peer workers.
Average salary for Texas peer support specialists by region
Peer support specialist salaries can vary significantly depending on which part of Texas they work in. Cost of living and demand for services drive regional differences. Here are average annual salaries by metropolitan area in Texas:
| Metropolitan Area | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Austin-Round Rock | $36,120 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | $34,410 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | $32,860 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land | $33,990 |
| El Paso | $30,920 |
As the data shows, peer support specialists in the Austin metro area earn the highest average salary at $36,120 per year. El Paso has the lowest average of $30,920 annually. Higher wages in Austin and Dallas reflect the increased cost of living in those urban areas.
Entry-level income
Those just beginning their careers as peer support specialists in Texas may make less than the state average while gaining initial on-the-job experience. Entry-level peer support specialists can expect to earn approximately $28,000 – $32,000 per year. With additional certifications and proven work experience, salaries can quickly increase.
Experience and earnings growth potential
The earning potential for peer support specialists increases substantially with more years working in the field. Here is a comparison of average salaries at different experience levels:
| Years Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| 0-5 years | $29,000 |
| 5-10 years | $34,500 |
| 10-20 years | $39,000 |
| 20+ years | $42,500 |
This data illustrates that pay increases substantially for those who have 5-10 years or more experience working as a peer support specialist. After 20 years in the field, Texas professionals can make $42,500 on average.
Highest paying employers for peer support specialists
The type of organization a peer support specialist works for can impact earnings as well. Here are some of the highest paying employers of peer support specialists in Texas and their average salaries:
- Government mental health agencies – $38,500/year
- General medical hospitals – $36,900/year
- Psychiatric hospitals – $35,600/year
- Outpatient substance abuse centers – $34,800/year
- Correctional facilities and prisons – $33,700/year
Professionals who obtain employment in government, hospitals, and substance abuse treatment settings typically earn higher wages than those at smaller nonprofits and community organizations.
Benefits packages
In addition to base pay, many peer support specialist jobs come with benefits packages that can add substantial value. Typical benefits available may include:
- Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
- Retirement plans like 401(k) with employer matching
- Life and disability insurance
- Paid time off (sick days, vacation)
- Parental leave
- Professional development funding
- Mental health coverage
- Employee discounts
- Flexible spending accounts
The exact benefits offered will vary by employer. Larger hospitals, government agencies, and established treatment centers typically offer more comprehensive benefits than smaller nonprofits and community organizations. When comparing job offers, be sure to take the total compensation package into account rather than just base salary.
Factors affecting earnings for peer support specialists
There are a number of variables that can impact how much an individual earns working as a peer support specialist in Texas:
- Location – Salaries vary across different regions of Texas based on cost of living.
- Employer type – Government agencies, hospitals, and clinics tend to pay the highest wages.
- Experience – More years on the job equals higher pay on average.
- Qualifications – Advanced certifications, specialized skills, and higher education lead to increased salaries.
- Full-time status – Full-time workers earn more total pay than part-time.
- Caseloads – Higher caseloads and workloads may provide raises.
- Benefits – Comprehensive benefits packages add extra value beyond just base pay.
Understanding these factors provides helpful context when evaluating job offers and salary figures for Texas peer support specialists.
Salary negotiation tips
These tips can help peer support specialists negotiate the best possible pay when seeking jobs in Texas:
- Research typical pay scales in your local job market using resources like the BLS and job boards.
- Consider total compensation, not just base pay. Factor in health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.
- Highlight your achievements, certifications, special skills, and experience that warrant above-average pay.
- Apply for roles at larger hospitals, government agencies, and clinics that offer higher salaries.
- Ask about pay raise opportunities related to tenure, increased credentials, higher caseloads, etc.
- Remember salary is negotiable – advocate for your desired wage based on your value.
With preparation and confidence, Texas peer support specialists can effectively negotiate competitive salaries even as entry-level professionals. Salaries should ultimately align with experience, skills, workload, and cost of living realities.
Future career growth and earning potential
Peer support specialists have strong long-term career prospects and above-average earning potential over the course of their careers. Here are some future growth considerations:
- Job outlook is strong – Texas employment for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors (including peer support roles) is projected to grow 25% from 2020 to 2030, according to BLS data.
- Leadership roles – With additional certifications and experience, peer support specialists can become Clinical Supervisors making over $52,000/year on average.
- Private practice – Established specialists can leave organizations to enter private practice and set their own pay rates.
- Training and consulting – Experienced specialists may train and consult for added pay.
- Specialization – Developing expertise in trauma, criminal justice, dual disorders, etc. can increase earning potential.
Overall, the career trajectory for an experienced peer support specialist in Texas is quite strong. Continuing education, specialization, leadership development, private practice, and consulting offer growing earning potential over time.
Conclusion
Peer support specialists earn an average annual salary of $33,580 in Texas according to 2021 BLS data. Pay varies based on location, employer type, qualifications, experience level, and benefits provided. Government agencies, hospitals, and clinics offer the highest base pay rates. With 5-10 years of experience, peer support specialists can expect to earn over $34,000 per year on average. The career outlook remains strong in Texas with above-average projected job growth and opportunities to advance into leadership, training, consulting, and private practice roles.