How much do addiction counselors make with a masters degree

How much does a Substance Abuse Counselor make in the United States? The average Substance Abuse Counselor salary in the United States is $56,650 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $49,950 and $63,520. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. 

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Job Description

The Substance Abuse Counselor acts as mediator between patients, relatives, medical staff, and outside agencies if needed. Runs individual, family, and group counseling for patients in chemical dependency programs. Being a Substance Abuse Counselor typically requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent; meets the standards for Chemical Dependency Counselor Certification Board, or other appropriate certification. Tracks patient progress and dispensation of treatment services. In addition, Substance Abuse Counselor typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Substance Abuse Counselor's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement. (Copyright 2022 Salary.com)

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These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Substance Abuse Counselor in the United States. The base salary for Substance Abuse Counselor ranges from $49,950 to $63,520 with the average base salary of $56,650. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $49,980 to $63,560 with the average total cash compensation of $56,690.

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Salary estimation for Substance Abuse Counselor at companies like : FONAR CORP, INTERPACE BIOSCIENCES, INC., QUORUM HEALTH CORP

Jobs with a similar salary range to Substance Abuse Counselor : Customer Training Specialist, Digital Video Editor, Kinesiotherapist, Manager, Office II, Guidance Counselor

Explore Master’s in Counseling Salary and Job Growth Statistics

If you are considering becoming a counselor, you have a number decisions ahead of you, among them: What program will you choose? Which specialty will you pursue? What type of workplace environment do you prefer?

The answers to these questions will inform your life’s work—and your earning potential—as a counselor. Most individuals pursue a career in counseling because they are compelled to help others through life’s challenges, but counselors have to eat, too. As you consider your options for graduate-level counseling education, you should also review salary outcomes and job growth potential across specialties.

Here, we cover median salary, job growth, and highest-paying industries for some of the most common counseling specialties as well as how to increase your earning potential as a counselor.

How Much Do Counselors Make in Various Specialties?

Mental Health Counselor Salary and Projected Job Growth

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for substance abuse counselors, behavioral disorder counselors and mental health counselors was $44,630 in 2018. Because of an increase in the number of individuals seeking addiction and mental health counseling, jobs in this field are expected to grow 23 percent through 26, which is much faster than average compared to all other occupations.1

The top-paying industries for substance abuse counselors, behavioral disorder counselors and mental health counselors are:2

  • Junior colleges: $63,760 annual mean wage
  • Insurance carriers: $60,610 annual mean wage
  • Agencies, brokerages, and insurance-related activities: $60,060 annual mean wage
  • Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $56,270 annual mean wage
  • Local government: $56,160 annual mean wage

School Counselor Salary and Projected Job Growth

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual salary of $56,310 per year in 2018 for school and career counselors. Employment in this field is expected to grow 23 percent through 2026, which is much faster than average compared to all occupations.3 School enrollment through 2027 is projected to increase 3 percent, driving the need for school counselors.4

The top-paying industries for school, educational, guidance and vocational counselors are:5

  • Federal executive branch: $71,690 annual mean wage
  • Computer systems design: $70,990 annual mean wage
  • Elementary and secondary schools: $66,910 annual mean wage
  • General medical and surgical hospitals: $69,170 annual mean wage
  • Office administrative services: $65,110 annual mean wage

Marriage and Family Therapist Salary and Projected Job Growth

Marriage and family therapists made $50,090 per year in 2018 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As integrated care becomes more popular, jobs in this field are expected to grow 23 percent through 2026, which is much faster than average compared to all other occupations.6

Top-paying industries for marriage and family therapists include:

  • State government: $69,080 annual mean wage
  • Religious organizations: $65,790 annual mean wage
  • General medical and surgical hospitals: $64,900 annual mean wage
  • Employment services: $61,970 annual mean wage
  • Local government: $61,100 annual mean wage

Get Creative: How to Increase Your Earning Potential as a Counselor

The above statistics reflect national averages. Salaries can vary greatly depending on your location, the size of the company or organization, years of expertise and the responsibilities of the position, among other factors.

For the greatest level of control over your income, you may want to consider going into private practice. As Anthony Centore, private practice consultant for the American Counseling Association, wrote, “I’ve found that with hard work and good planning, earning an income of $100,000 per year in private practice is an obtainable goal.”7

Take the Next Step in Your Counseling Career

If counseling is your calling, you need a master’s degree to set you on the path toward licensure. William & Mary offers a transformative Online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling with paths in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Military and Veterans Counseling and School Counseling. Explore our curriculum and meet our illustrious faculty.

Sources

  1. Retrieved on June 18, 2019, from www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
  2. Retrieved on June 18, 2019, from www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211018.htm
  3. Retrieved on June 18, 2019, from www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm M
  4. Retrieved on June 18, 2019, from nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=65
  5. Retrieved on June 18, 2019, from www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes211012.htm
  6. Retrieved on June 18, 2019, from www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm
  7. Retrieved on June 18, 2019, from counseling.org/news/aca-blogs/aca-member-blogs/aca-member-blogs/2018/11/26/how-much-money-can-a-counselor-in-private-practice-make

Where do addiction counselors make the most money?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, counselors who work for government agencies and in hospitals tend to earn the most money.

What is the salary for a master's degree in addiction counseling in California?

The average Substance Abuse Counselor salary in California is $63,280 as of September 26, 2022, but the range typically falls between $55,790 and $70,960.

What type of counselor makes the most money?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for counselors of all types was about $45,200. School counselors are the highest paid counseling jobs on our list, with a 2021 median salary of about $63,500.

What state pays the most for a substance abuse counselor?

Best-Paying States for Substance Abuse Counselors The states and districts that pay Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors the highest mean salary are Nevada ($68,560), Utah ($62,250), Alaska ($61,980), New Jersey ($61,310), and Oregon ($59,800).