As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drug Counselor in the United States is $65,801 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, a Drug Counselor's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Drug 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 a Drug 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 Drug Counselor | $64,194 |
| Intermediate Level Drug Counselor | $64,349 |
| Senior Level Drug Counselor | $66,513 |
| Specialist Level Drug Counselor | $69,940 |
| Expert Level Drug Counselor | $70,185 |
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 Drug 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
|
$69,091 |
5%
|
|
Care Management
|
$69,091 |
5%
|
|
Psychiatric
|
$68,433 |
4%
|
|
Integrity
|
$68,433 |
4%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$67,775 |
3%
|
|
Coaching
|
$67,775 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Drug 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 a Drug Counselor with a Bachelor's Degree is between $56,400 and $60,450).
Drug 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 a Drug 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 a Drug 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 a Drug 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 Drug 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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The highest-paid counseling jobs include positions like drug counselors, who earn between $51,701 and $66,801 annually, with a median salary of $58,701. Other lucrative roles in the field are clinical psychologists and licensed clinical social workers, but drug counselors often rank among the top earners in the counseling profession.
To become an addiction counselor, it's essential to earn a degree in counseling, social work, or psychology. This rewarding profession offers a salary range from approximately $51,701 to $66,801, with a median salary around $58,701. Proper education and training are crucial for success in this field.
The turnover rate for addiction counselors is notably high, with studies indicating rates between 33% and 74% over a two-year period. Given the salary range for drug counselors, which spans from $51,701 to $66,801, these figures highlight the challenges in retaining professionals in this critical field.
A drug counselor can be a rewarding career, providing emotional fulfillment while addressing a critical public health issue. The salary range for this role typically falls between $51,701 and $66,801, with a mid-salary of $58,701. As awareness of addiction increases, the demand for qualified counselors continues to grow, ensuring a stable career path.
Becoming a substance abuse counselor can be challenging, requiring extensive training and emotional resilience. However, it is a rewarding career where you can make a significant impact on individuals' recovery journeys. In terms of compensation, salaries typically range from $51,701 to $66,801, with a median salary around $58,701, reflecting the importance of this vital role.
A master's in addiction counseling is worth it, as it equips graduates to significantly impact individuals' lives. The salary for drug counselors ranges from $51,701 to $66,801, with a median salary of $58,701. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in the field, making it a valuable investment in your career.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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