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How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make?

The average salary for a Substance Abuse Counselor is $55,562 per year in the US.

Substance abuse counselors play a vital role in helping individuals overcome addiction. Their work is both rewarding and essential. The average yearly salary for a substance abuse counselor is $55,562. This figure can vary based on experience, education, and location.


The salary range for substance abuse counselors shows a broad spectrum of earnings. For example, the lowest 10% earn about $36,450, while the top 10% can make around $89,949. Most counselors fall between these figures, earning between $41,314 and $75,358 annually. This range highlights the potential for growth and advancement in this career. With more experience and advanced degrees, counselors can earn higher salaries.

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

Pueblo, CO, stands out as a top city for Substance Abuse Counselors, offering the highest average salary at $85,490. Las Vegas, NV, and Seattle, WA, follow closely behind with salaries around $71,662 and $70,511, respectively. These cities provide robust opportunities for professionals seeking competitive compensation in this rewarding field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Substance Abuse Counselor jobs, highlighting Pueblo, CO with the highest at $85,490 and Anchorage, AK with the lowest at $64,564.
  1. Pueblo, CO
    Average Salary: $85,490
    In Pueblo, you can help people struggling with addiction. Leading facilities offer supportive environments. Competitive pay and growth opportunities make this a rewarding career choice.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Pueblo, CO


  2. Las Vegas, NV
    Average Salary: $71,662
    Las Vegas offers a vibrant setting for counseling. Many well-known clinics seek skilled professionals. The city’s dynamic lifestyle provides both professional and personal growth.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Las Vegas, NV


  3. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $70,511
    Seattle’s counseling roles provide a blend of urban living and community support. Nonprofits and private clinics are hiring. The city’s progressive approach helps make a real difference.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Santa Rosa, CA
    Average Salary: $69,452
    Santa Rosa offers a peaceful environment with a strong community focus. Local organizations value skilled counselors. The area provides a balanced lifestyle with growth potential.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Santa Rosa, CA


  5. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $67,475
    Rochester combines healthcare excellence with a caring community. Renowned institutions seek compassionate professionals. The city’s reputation for quality care makes it an attractive place to work.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Rochester, MN


  6. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $67,424
    Minneapolis offers diverse opportunities in counseling. Many local clinics and hospitals need dedicated staff. The city’s supportive environment aids in professional development.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Minneapolis, MN


  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $66,682
    In Washington, DC, you can influence public health policies. Federal and local agencies hire experienced counselors. The city’s dynamic setting offers both challenges and rewards.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Madison, WI
    Average Salary: $65,986
    Madison provides a balanced work-life environment. Universities and community centers seek qualified professionals. The city’s focus on wellness supports effective counseling practices.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Madison, WI


  9. Tulsa, OK
    Average Salary: $65,370
    Tulsa offers a friendly community with growing opportunities. Local nonprofits and health centers need dedicated counselors. The area’s strong sense of community fosters meaningful work.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Tulsa, OK


  10. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $64,564
    Anchorage provides unique challenges and rewards in counseling. Local health services are expanding and need skilled staff. The city’s natural beauty and strong community life make it a rewarding place to work.
    Find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs in Anchorage, AK

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

Substance Abuse Counselors can find high-paying opportunities at several reputable companies. Kaiser Permanente offers the highest average salary at nearly $100,000 per year. Other top-paying employers include County of Sonoma (CA) and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, both providing competitive compensation packages. Additionally, the New York State Office of Mental Health and the State of Nevada offer solid pay for those in the field. These companies value their counselors and reward them with attractive salaries.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Substance Abuse Counselor jobs, highlighting Kaiser Permanente with the highest at $100,386 and Recovery Centers of America with the lowest at $64,376.
  1. Kaiser Permanente
    Average Salary: $100,386
    Kaiser Permanente offers Substance Abuse Counselor positions with competitive pay. They have multiple locations across the U.S., including California, Washington, and Colorado. At Kaiser Permanente, counselors work in integrated care settings, providing both individual and group therapy.


  2. County of Sonoma (CA)
    Average Salary: $87,378
    The County of Sonoma, located in California, provides Substance Abuse Counselor jobs with a strong average salary. They operate in Sonoma County, serving local communities with a focus on holistic and compassionate care.


  3. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
    Average Salary: $77,658
    Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is known for its Substance Abuse Counselor roles. They have multiple locations nationwide, including Minnesota, Florida, and Washington. This organization offers comprehensive addiction treatment and counseling services.


  4. New York State Office of Mental Health
    Average Salary: $72,072
    The New York State Office of Mental Health provides Substance Abuse Counselor positions with a solid salary. They operate throughout New York State, focusing on mental health services for the community.


  5. State of Nevada
    Average Salary: $71,787
    The State of Nevada offers Substance Abuse Counselor jobs with competitive salaries. They operate across various locations in Nevada, providing essential services to residents.


  6. Red River Recovery Center
    Average Salary: $67,558
    Red River Recovery Center provides Substance Abuse Counselor positions with a good salary. They are based in Oklahoma and offer a range of addiction treatment programs.


  7. Commonwealth of Massachusetts
    Average Salary: $65,851
    The Commonwealth of Massachusetts offers Substance Abuse Counselor roles with a respectable salary. They operate across various locations in Massachusetts, focusing on public health services.


  8. Hickory Recovery Network
    Average Salary: $65,719
    Hickory Recovery Network offers Substance Abuse Counselor positions with a competitive salary. They have locations in Pennsylvania and Delaware, providing addiction treatment services.


  9. Oaklawn Psychiatric Center
    Average Salary: $65,005
    Oaklawn Psychiatric Center provides Substance Abuse Counselor roles with a decent salary. They operate in Indiana, focusing on psychiatric and addiction care.


  10. Recovery Centers of America
    Average Salary: $64,376
    Recovery Centers of America offers Substance Abuse Counselor positions with a good salary. They have multiple locations across several states, including New Jersey, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

How to earn more as a Substance Abuse Counselor?

Earning more as a Substance Abuse Counselor involves a mix of education, experience, and strategic career moves. Specializing in areas such as adolescent addiction or dual diagnosis can open up higher-paying opportunities. This specialization requires additional training but pays off in increased demand and higher wages. Networking with other professionals also helps in discovering high-paying positions that may not be advertised widely.

Location plays a significant role in salary levels. Urban areas often offer higher wages to attract qualified counselors. Some states and countries have higher demand for these professionals, leading to more competitive salaries. By considering relocation or working in high-demand areas, counselors can significantly boost their earnings. Lastly, advancing education and obtaining certifications can lead to higher-paying positions. These credentials demonstrate a commitment to the field and can command better compensation.

Here are five factors that can help increase earnings as a Substance Abuse Counselor:

  1. Obtain specialized training in areas like adolescent addiction or dual diagnosis.
  2. Network with other professionals to find high-paying positions.
  3. Consider relocating to urban areas or high-demand regions.
  4. Advance education through additional certifications or degrees.
  5. Seek out positions in states or countries with higher demand for counselors.

Currently 643 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
643 Job Openings