Salary Outlook
According to the BLS, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors earned $38,560 in 2011, or approximately $18.54 per hour. The best-paid earned about $60,220, while the lowest-paid earned less than $25,280. Areas of the industry that pay well include colleges, universities, and professional schools, civic and social organizations, and nursing care facilities. According to the BLS, Michigan is home to two of the top three highest paying areas for the occupation; Lansing, and Flint.
| Job Salary | Year |
|---|---|
| 2002 | $33,740.00 |
| 2004 | $32,660.00 |
| 2006 | $34,970.00 |
| 2008 | $37,810.00 |
| 2010 | $38,810.00 |
Average Substance Abuse Counselor Pay vs. All Social Services Jobs
With an average salary of $38,560 per year, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors tend to earn less money than other social service jobs. Compensation for school counselors is slightly above $54,000 while marriage and family therapists take-home pay stretches beyond $46,000. Teachers at the elementary, middle, and high school levels also have greater take home pay.
| Job Name | Salary |
|---|---|
| High School Teacher | $54,270.00 |
| School Counselor | $54,130.00 |
| Middle School Teacher | $53,130.00 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $52,840.00 |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | $38,560.00 |
See Complete List of Best Social Services Jobs
Best Paying Cities for Substance Abuse Counselors
The highest paid in the substance abuse counselor profession work in the metropolitan areas of Lansing, MI, Honolulu, HI, and Flint, MI. The Chattanooga, TN area also pays well, as does the city of Green Bay, WI.
Lansing, MI
Average Salary: $62,130 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a substance abuse counselor working in Lansing, MI is $62,130, which is $23,570 more than the average pay in the profession.
Honolulu, HI
Average Salary: $61,830 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a substance abuse counselor working in Honolulu, HI is $61,830, which is $23,270 more than the average pay in the profession.
Flint, MI
Average Salary: $58,220 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a substance abuse counselor working in Flint, MI is $58,220, which is $19,660 more than the average pay in the profession.
Chattanooga, TN
Average Salary: $56,740 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a substance abuse counselor working in Chattanooga, TN is $56,740, which is $18,180 more than the average pay in the profession.
Green Bay, WI
Average Salary: $55,630 | See Job Openings
The annual median wage of a substance abuse counselor working in Green Bay, WI is $55,630, which is $17,070 more than the average pay in the profession.
