As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Addiction Counselor in the United States is $65,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Addiction Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Addiction Counselor's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Addiction Counselor's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Addiction Counselor | $64,093 |
| Intermediate Level Addiction Counselor | $64,248 |
| Senior Level Addiction Counselor | $66,412 |
| Specialist Level Addiction Counselor | $69,839 |
| Expert Level Addiction Counselor | $70,084 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Addiction Counselors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.8% |
| Social Work | 4.69% |
| Programming | 1.6% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Interviewing
|
$69,090 |
5%
|
|
Care Management
|
$69,090 |
5%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$68,432 |
4%
|
|
Integrity
|
$68,432 |
4%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$67,774 |
3%
|
|
Coaching
|
$67,774 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Addiction Counselors enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Addiction Counselor with a Bachelor's Degree is between $56,399 and $60,449).
Addiction Counselor Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how an Addiction Counselor's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For an Addiction Counselor, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Clinical Licensed Psychologist M.A. role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $95,300 - a projected growth of 45% over your current level.
Salaries for an Addiction Counselor can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $85,734 in 2023 to around $84,503 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Addiction Counselor salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $85,734 |
| 2024 | $85,399 |
| 2025 | $84,503 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Addiction Counselor and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Addiction Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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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.
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