Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
21-1011.00
Bright Outlook Updated 2024

Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

Sample of reported job titles: Addictions Counselor, Case Manager, Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ADAC), Chemical Dependency Counselor (CD Counselor), Chemical Dependency Professional, Clinical Counselor, Counselor, Drug and Alcohol Treatment Specialist (DATS), Prevention Specialist, Substance Abuse Counselor (SA Counselor)

  • Occupation-Specific Information
  • Overview

Worker Requirements

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation? Respondents said:

  • 41%
     
    Master’s degree required
  • 24%
     
    High school diploma or equivalent required

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wage data for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.
Employment data for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.
Industry data for Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors.
Median wages (2023)
$25.82 hourly, $53,710 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2022)
388,200 employees
Projected growth (2022-2032)
Much faster than average (9% or higher)
Projected job openings (2022-2032)
42,000
State trends
Top industries (2022)
Health Care and Social Assistance (74% employed in this sector)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2023 wage data and 2022-2032 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2022-2032). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.