As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Drug Counselor in District of Columbia is $72,901 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
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 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 | $71,075 |
| Intermediate Level Drug Counselor | $71,247 |
| Senior Level Drug Counselor | $73,643 |
| Specialist Level Drug Counselor | $77,437 |
| Expert Level Drug Counselor | $77,708 |
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:
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 $105,500 - a projected growth of 45% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Drug Counselor job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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