Addiction Counselor Salary
With the increase in demand for a substance abuse counselor it is expected that wages and earnings of professionals in our field will increase at a faster pace than many other industries and professions. Depending on the region, qualifications of the candidate, specialty and place of work, addiction counselor salaries can vary significantly.
Below you will find key salary points according to the US Government’s Bureau of Labor Statistics from May 2008:
Mental Health Counselors:
- Median annual salary of $36,810
- Middle 50% earned between 28,930 and 48,580
- Top 10% earned over $63,000
Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors:
- Median annual salary of $37,030
- Middle 50% earned between 29,410 and 47,290
- Top 10% earned over $59,400
Rehabilitation Counselors:
- Median annual salary of $30,930
- Middle 50% earned between 24,110 and 41,240
- Top 10% earned over $56,000
These numbers reflect counselors who are employed by a treatment center or other institution. Counselors in private practice may expect to earn a higher wage.
One of the goals of the Academy for Addiction Professionals is to offer potential counselors the opportunity to rise to the top of the employment ladder and earn the highest salary possible. By advancing their careers through continued education in the field, soon to be addiction counselors are positioning themselves to take advantage of the significant growth in today’s addiction counselor industry.
Learn More:
Addiction Counselor Industry Job Growth Prospects
Become a Certified Addiction Professional
Become a Certified Addiction Counselor
Become a Certified Addiction Specialist
Become a Certified Behavioral Health Technician
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Counselors, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm (visited September 19, 2011).
