As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for an Addiction Counselor in the United States is $65,300. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $51,163 to a high of $74,470, with most professionals earning between $57,900 and $70,100.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $70,100 | $5,842 | $1,348 | $34 |
| Average | $65,300 | $5,442 | $1,256 | $31 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,900 | $4,825 | $1,113 | $28 |
An entry-level Addiction Counselor with less than 1 year of experience earns about $62,870. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $63,091. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $65,658. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $67,664, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $67,807.
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Addiction Counselor | $62,870 |
| Intermediate Level Addiction Counselor | $63,091 |
| Senior Level Addiction Counselor | $65,658 |
| Specialist Level Addiction Counselor | $67,664 |
| Expert Level Addiction Counselor | $67,807 |
| Entry Level | 4% |
| Mid Level | 3% |
| Senior Level | 1% |
| Top Level | 4% |
| Experienced | 4% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Addiction Counselor compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $85,734 in 2023 to approximately $85,399 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Addiction Counselor salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
Salary.com job board provides millions of Addiction Counselor information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Addiction Counselor job openings or enter a new job title here.
Here are companies hiring for Addiction Counselor and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $65,300 | 71.0% | ||
| Bonus | $0 | 0.0% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $4,995 | 5.4% | ||
| 401K/403B | $3,200 | 3.5% | ||
| Disability | $1,045 | 1.1% | ||
| Healthcare | $6,371 | 6.9% | ||
| Pension | $2,743 | 3.0% | ||
| Time Off | $8,288 | 9.0% | ||
| Total Compensation | $91,941 | 100% | ||
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 11.1% |
| Associates | 15.4% |
| Bachelors | 30.7% |
| Masters | 41.2% |
| Doctorate | 1.2% |
What Am I Worth?
In the mental health field, Addiction Counselors earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $51,700, a mid-range of $58,700, and a maximum of $66,800. Other high-paying roles include clinical psychologists, school psychologists, and registered mental health nurses, all contributing significantly to the well-being of individuals.
A career as an addiction counselor can be rewarding, with a projected 18% job growth from 2022 to 2032, translating to over 42,000 new positions annually. Salary ranges for this role are competitive, with a minimum of $51,700, a mid-range of $58,700, and a maximum of $66,800, making it a viable option for those passionate about helping others.
A certified addiction counselor specializes in assisting individuals with substance use disorders. They create personalized treatment plans based on each person's unique needs and goals. The salary for addiction counselors typically ranges from $51,700 to $66,800, with a median salary of $58,700, reflecting their expertise in navigating the complexities of addiction.
Earning a degree in Addiction Studies is a promising choice. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 23% growth in employment for substance abuse and mental health counselors from 2020 to 2030. With salaries ranging from $51,700 to $66,800, this field not only offers job security but also competitive compensation for those dedicated to helping others.
Becoming an addiction counselor involves various costs, including tuition for undergraduate programs, which can range from $259.10 to $1,250 per credit. Graduate programs may cost between $340.15 and $654.05 per credit. Once qualified, addiction counselors can expect salaries ranging from $51,700 to $66,800, with a median salary of $58,700.
After earning a bachelor's degree, an aspiring LPC, LADC, or LMFT must complete a master's degree in counseling, requiring at least 60 graduate credit hours. This typically takes about two to three years. Upon entering the workforce, addiction counselors can expect salaries ranging from $51,700 to $66,800, with a median salary of $58,700.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
