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How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make?

The average salary for a Substance Abuse Counselor is $55,258 per year in the US.

A Substance Abuse Counselor helps people who struggle with addiction. They work in many different places, like hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The average yearly salary for this job is about $55,258. This means most Substance Abuse Counselors earn somewhere around this amount each year.

The salary can change based on where you work and how much experience you have. Some counselors earn less, while others earn more. Here are some common salaries for different experience levels:

  • Entry-level: $37,000
  • Early-career: $41,636
  • Mid-career: $46,273
  • Experienced: $50,909
  • Late-career: $55,545
  • Early-post-career: $60,182
  • Mid-post-career: $64,818
  • Late-post-career: $69,455
  • Very late-career: $74,091
  • Maximum: $88,000

View Substance Abuse Counselor jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Substance Abuse Counselor?

Pueblo, CO, offers the highest average salary for Substance Abuse Counselors at $82,962. This makes it a top choice for those seeking better compensation. Las Vegas, NV, and Seattle, WA, also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $71,046 and $70,511, respectively. These cities present excellent opportunities for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Substance Abuse Counselor jobs, highlighting Pueblo, CO with the highest at $82,962 and Madison, WI with the lowest at $64,586.
  1. Pueblo, CO
    Average Salary: $82,962
    In Pueblo, professionals help individuals overcome addiction. They work in various settings, including hospitals and private practices. Pueblo Behavioral Health offers many opportunities.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Pueblo, CO


  2. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $71,046
    Las Vegas provides a dynamic environment for those aiding in recovery. Many counselors work in rehabilitation centers and community health organizations. Desert Hope Treatment Center is a notable employer.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $70,511
    Seattle offers a supportive community for addiction counselors. They work in both urban and suburban settings. Swedish Medical Center is a prominent place for these professionals.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $68,584
    Santa Rosa has a growing need for addiction counselors. They often find work in local clinics and non-profit organizations. Kaiser Permanente is a key employer in the area.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $67,105
    Minneapolis provides a range of opportunities for addiction counselors. They work in hospitals and community health centers. Park Nicollet Health Services is a notable employer.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $66,911
    In Washington, DC, counselors play a vital role in helping people recover. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies and private practices. MedStar Health is a key employer.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $66,089
    Rochester offers a stable environment for addiction counselors. They work in hospitals and outpatient clinics. Mayo Clinic is a major employer in the area.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Rochester, MN


  8. Tulsa, OK
    Average Salary: $65,267
    Tulsa provides many opportunities for addiction counselors. They work in both private and public health settings. Saint Francis Health System is a notable employer.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Tulsa, OK


  9. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $64,780
    Anchorage offers a unique setting for addiction counselors. They work in community health centers and private practices. Alaska Behavioral Health is a key employer.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Anchorage, AK


  10. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $64,586
    Madison provides a supportive environment for addiction counselors. They work in hospitals and community health organizations. SSM Health is a notable employer.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Madison, WI

What are the best companies a Substance Abuse Counselor can work for?

Kaiser Permanente offers top pay for Substance Abuse Counselors, with an average salary of $99,210. This company provides excellent benefits and career growth opportunities. The County of Sonoma (CA) also pays well, with an average salary of $88,905, making it a great choice for those seeking stability and good compensation.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Substance Abuse Counselor jobs, highlighting Kaiser Permanente with the highest at $99,210 and Oaklawn Psychiatric Center with the lowest at $63,722.
  1. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $99,210
    Kaiser Permanente offers rewarding Substance Abuse Counselor jobs across the United States. They focus on providing comprehensive care and support to those struggling with addiction. Locations include California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, and more.


  2. County of Sonoma (CA)
    Average Salary: $88,905
    The County of Sonoma in California provides Substance Abuse Counselor positions with a focus on community health. They work in various locations throughout Sonoma County, offering a supportive environment for both counselors and clients.


  3. U.S. Marine Corps
    Average Salary: $77,731
    The U.S. Marine Corps offers Substance Abuse Counselor jobs with a focus on supporting the mental health of service members. They operate nationwide, providing critical services to those in need.


  4. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
    Average Salary: $77,259
    Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a leading provider of Substance Abuse Counselor jobs. They offer a range of programs and services across multiple locations, including Minnesota, California, and Florida.


  5. State of Nevada
    Average Salary: $72,393
    The State of Nevada provides Substance Abuse Counselor positions with a focus on public health. They operate in various locations throughout the state, offering a supportive environment for both counselors and clients.


  6. New York State Office of Mental Health
    Average Salary: $72,189
    The New York State Office of Mental Health offers Substance Abuse Counselor jobs with a focus on mental health services. They operate across the state, providing critical services to those in need.


  7. Red River Recovery Center
    Average Salary: $68,541
    Red River Recovery Center offers Substance Abuse Counselor jobs with a focus on addiction treatment. They operate in Oklahoma, providing a supportive environment for both counselors and clients.


  8. Recovery Centers of America
    Average Salary: $64,947
    Recovery Centers of America provides Substance Abuse Counselor positions with a focus on addiction treatment. They operate in multiple states, offering a supportive environment for both counselors and clients.


  9. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    Average Salary: $64,893
    The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers Substance Abuse Counselor jobs with a focus on public health. They operate across the state, providing critical services to those in need.


  10. Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
    Average Salary: $63,722
    Oaklawn Psychiatric Center offers Substance Abuse Counselor jobs with a focus on mental health services. They operate in Connecticut, providing a supportive environment for both counselors and clients.

How to earn more as a Substance Abuse Counselor?

Substance Abuse Counselors play a vital role in helping individuals overcome addiction. To earn more in this rewarding field, consider these key factors. Gaining specialized certifications can open doors to higher-paying positions. For example, becoming a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) or a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) can lead to better job opportunities. Continuing education also helps in staying updated with the latest treatment methods, which can be a significant advantage.

Experience matters greatly in this profession. Those who have worked in the field for several years often have more opportunities to earn higher salaries. Networking with other professionals can lead to job openings that pay more. Additionally, working in urban areas or regions with a high demand for counselors can result in higher pay. Finally, taking on leadership roles, such as managing a treatment center or a team of counselors, can also increase earnings. By focusing on these factors, Substance Abuse Counselors can enhance their career and income potential.

Here are some key factors to consider:

  • Obtain specialized certifications.
  • Gain several years of experience.
  • Network with other professionals.
  • Work in high-demand areas.
  • Take on leadership roles.

Currently 824 Substance Abuse Counselor job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Substance Abuse Counselor in the US?

Learn what a Substance Abuse Counselor does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Substance Abuse Counselor today.
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Substance Abuse Counselor
824 Job Openings