Community, Social & Government Services career

Substance Abuse Counselor

Also called: Addiction Counselor · Mental Health Counselor · Behavioral Health Counselor · Recovery Counselor

What substance abuse counselors do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does a substance abuse counselor do?

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors counsel people with addictions, mental health conditions and behavioral issues, in individual and group settings. The median pay is $59,350 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–6 years depending on credential, and employment is projected to grow +18.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $59,350
    $28.53/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +18.4%
    2025–35, much faster than average
  • Openings per year
    50,500
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Master's degree
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    1–6 years depending on credential
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    533,400
    Employment, 2025

What substance abuse counselors do

Addiction and mental health counselors help people build healthier lives. They assess clients, develop treatment plans, lead individual and group sessions, teach coping skills, work with families, coordinate with doctors and support people through relapse and recovery. They work in treatment centers, clinics, hospitals, prisons and private practice.

Requirements vary by state and role. Licensed mental health counselors need a master’s degree, while many addiction counselor credentials start with a certificate or associate degree plus supervised hours. Employment is projected to grow much faster than average.

Typical duties

  • Assess clients’ substance use and mental health
  • Develop treatment plans
  • Lead individual and group counseling
  • Teach coping and relapse prevention skills
  • Work with families
  • Coordinate with medical providers
  • Document progress

Work environment and schedule

Counselors work in treatment centers, outpatient clinics, hospitals, correctional facilities and private offices.

Schedule: Most work full-time; residential programs may require evenings and weekends.

A day in the life

  1. Review client charts and the day’s schedule.
  2. Run a morning recovery group.
  3. Meet one-on-one with a new client for an assessment.
  4. Consult with the treatment team.

See a full day in the life of a substance abuse counselor →

Substance Abuse Counselor salary

Half of substance abuse counselors earned more than $59,350 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $38,940 for the lowest 10% to $97,590 for the top 10%.

Full substance abuse counselor pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become a substance abuse counselor

  1. Learn about recovery
  2. Earn education
  3. Complete supervised hours
  4. Pass exams
  5. Advance

Licensed mental health counselors need a master’s degree; many addiction counselor credentials start with a certificate or associate degree plus supervised experience.

Step-by-step guide to becoming a substance abuse counselor →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Assessment
  • Treatment planning
  • Group facilitation
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Relapse prevention

People skills

  • Empathy
  • Patience
  • Boundaries
  • Listening

All substance abuse counselor skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Much faster than average growth
  • Life-changing work
  • Multiple entry paths
  • Private practice possible

Cons

  • Emotionally demanding
  • Relapse and loss
  • Paperwork
  • Supervised hours required for licensure

Certifications and licenses

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC/LMHC): Master’s-level counseling license.
  • Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC): State addiction credential.
  • NCAC I or II: National addiction counselor credentials.
  • Certified Peer Recovery Specialist: For people with lived experience.

Career path

  1. Counselor Trainee or Tech: Gain hours.
  2. Credentialed Counselor: Counsel clients.
  3. Licensed Clinical Counselor: Treat co-occurring disorders.
  4. Clinical Director or Private Practice: Lead programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Substance Abuse Counselor training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as use motivational interviewing and lead a recovery group, safety and how to land your first job.

View Substance Abuse Counselor trainingIs this career right for me?

Psychiatric Technician

Care for patients with mental illness and developmental disabilities.

  • $45,130
  • 1 year or less

Social Worker

Help children and families stay safe, get support and overcome hard times.

  • $59,550
  • 4 years (BSW); 6 years for MSW

Rehabilitation Counselor

Help people with disabilities live independently and find meaningful work.

  • $46,850
  • 6 years (bachelor’s + master’s)

Compare: Addiction Counselor vs. Family Therapist · Addiction Counselor vs. Psych Tech · Addiction Counselor vs. Social Worker · Addiction Counselor vs. Rehabilitation Counselor

Substance Abuse Counselor FAQ

Do addiction counselors need a master’s?

Not always; many states credential counselors with less education plus supervised hours.

Is the field growing?

Yes, BLS projects much faster than average growth.

Can people in recovery become counselors?

Yes, and lived experience is often valued.

How much does a substance abuse counselor make?

The median annual wage for substance abuse counselors was $59,350 ($28.53 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,940 and the highest 10% earned more than $97,590.

How long does it take to become a substance abuse counselor?

Most people need about 1–6 years depending on credential of training. Licensed mental health counselors need a master’s degree; many addiction counselor credentials start with a certificate or associate degree plus supervised experience.

Do you need a degree to be a substance abuse counselor?

It depends. BLS lists a master’s degree as typical, and licensed mental health counselors need one, but many states credential addiction counselors with a certificate or associate degree plus supervised hours.

More substance abuse counselor questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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