How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make?
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
What are the highest paying cities for a Substance Abuse Counselor?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.



