▼24%
$51,494
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$41k
MEDIAN
$51k
90%
$70k
The average salary for a Substance Abuse Counselor is $51,494 in 2025
Base Salary
$41k - $70k
Bonus
$514 - $2k
Total Pay
$37k - $66k
Is Average Experienced Substance Abuse Counselor with Group Therapy Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Substance Abuse Counselors?
What Do Substance Abuse Counselors Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Substance Abuse Counselor
Medical
77%
Dental
71%
Vision
66%
None
23%
Gender Breakdown for Substance Abuse Counselors
Female
61.0%
Male
39.0%
This data is based on 41 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Substance Abuse Counselors
What is the highest pay for Substance Abuse Counselors?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Substance Abuse Counselor is $70k / year
What is the lowest pay for Substance Abuse Counselors?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Substance Abuse Counselor is $41k / year
How can Substance Abuse Counselors increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Substance Abuse Counselor is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Substance Abuse Counselor that oversees more junior Substance Abuse Counselors, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.